Greater access to medical information under new law

Following the President's signature of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Amendments Act, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt praised the bill as an important step forward in ensuring the safety of drugs and medical devices.

"Facilitating safe and timely access to effective medicines is a critical mission of the federal government," Secretary Leavitt said. "These laws will greatly benefit the public health of our nation, and keep us on a path to ensuring Americans have access to the best medications and devices available to lead longer and healthier lives."

Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach said, "The act continues essential and successful programs that will enhance FDA's ability to more efficiently and effectively regulate drugs, biological products, and medical devices. It will provide enormous benefit to the public health by allowing FDA to continue to deliver safe and effective medical products to Americans every day."

The measure extends the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act and the Pediatric Research Equity Act, which have yielded vital information about the use of drugs and biological products to treat children.

In addition, the legislation amends and establishes many other programs and activities related to medical product safety. It also establishes a nonprofit corporation, the Reagan-Udall Foundation, to advance the mission of FDA.