FDA reform logjam cracks a bit; Attack on SBIRs survives counter-attack

WASHINGTON - The House of Representatives and Senate took steps last week to keep FDA reform alive in the current legislative session. New, less controversial legislation was unveiled on the House side, and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.), announced that he will schedule a vote on the Senate FDA reform bill.

Sen. Nancy Kassebaum's S. 1477 is likely to reach the Senate floor during the week of July 22. When it does, it probably will be met with strong opposition from Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), according to Senate staff and members of patient advocacy groups. Kennedy is scheduled this week to address a patient group that strongly opposes FDA reform...