FAST legislation to increase competition, reduce Rx costs introduced in USA

US Representatives David McKinley (Republican: West Virginia-1) and Peter Welch (Democrat: Vermont) last week introduced the Fair Access for Safe and Timely (FAST) Generics Act.

The legislation, they say, would thwart manipulation of the Food and Drug Administration’s drug safety regulations in order to block the production of generic alternatives to brand name medicines. This would increase consumer access to generic drugs, boost market competition, and ultimately save consumers money.

“The high cost of brand name drugs should never force patients to make painful financial decisions. Medicine must be affordable to those who need it most,” said Mr McKinley, adding: Our bipartisan bill will allow more people to access generic alternatives by providing competition in the marketplace and removing unnecessary bureaucratic delays from the federal government.”