The Biotechnology Industry Organization, the National Venture Capital Association, and patient advocacy group the National Health Council are making the rounds on Capitol Hill with FDA innovation proposals. Some of the key ideas are listed below.

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Create a progressive approval pathway to get new therapies for unmet conditions to patients rapidly; with intensive surveillance and limits on off-label prescribing if necessary - BIO

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Revamp the advisory committee process to ensure that conflict-of-interest rules do not prevent FDA from gaining access to needed expertise - BIO, NVCA

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Create a fixed term for the FDA Commissioner to insulate the agency from political pressure - BIO

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Provide six or 12 months of data exclusivity to drug companies if they collaborate on development of a companion diagnostic - NHC

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Refine FDA's mission to emphasize its role in biomedical innovation - BIO, NVCA