News from AdvaMed:
Oct. 14, 2011 WASHINGTON, DC –
Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), released the following statement today upon the introduction of the “Saving
American Jobs and Saving American Patients” legislative package in the U.S. House of Representatives that would reform the FDA device review process:
“AdvaMed applauds House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, along with Reps. John Shimkus (R-IL), Brian Bilbray (R-CA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA),
Charles Bass (R-NH), Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Mike Rogers (R-MI), Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Erik Paulsen (R-MN), for their work on legislation that would make it easier for American patients to get timely access to life-saving, life-changing medical technology.
“These bills reflect the Energy and Commerce Committee’s extensive work in examining
the need for reform through hearings and debate. We support this effort because it is an excellent starting point in a legislative discussion that will address several important issues critical to maintaining our global leadership and competitiveness. We commend the bills’ sponsors for working to make the FDA approval process more efficient and predictable, a key component of AdvaMed’s Competitiveness Agenda. We look forward to examining the bills in greater detail and working with the committee on areas of specific concern to our
industry.
“We are also continuing to work collaboratively with the FDA to make improvements
in the device review process, which are being discussed in the ongoing and productive negotiations related to the renewal of the ‘Medical Device User Fee Act.’
“As the legislative process moves forward, we look forward to working with the committee, members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, and with the FDA to ensure patients have timely access to safe and effective products.”
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AdvaMed member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming health care through earlier disease
detection, less invasive procedures and more effective treatments. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. For more information, visit www.advamed.org.
CONTACT: Wanda Moebius wmoebius@advamed.org
(202) 434-7240