McConnell Urges FDA Nominee to Address Prescription Opioid Epidemic

Press Release

U.S Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell met today with Dr. Robert Califf, the nominee for Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to discuss the agency's proposal to address the prescription opioid epidemic in Kentucky and our nation.

The FDA plays a leading role in addressing the prescription opioid epidemic through their drug approval process, where they are required by federal law to ensure that drugs are safe and effective. However, FDA has been criticized for not recognizing the severity of this epidemic and not taking steps to do more to address the problem.

During the meeting, Senator McConnell expressed concerns to Dr. Califf that he has heard from Kentuckians regarding FDA's lax attitude toward this epidemic, and he urged Dr. Califf to commit to taking concrete steps to address the severity of the problem.

"Drug overdoses, largely driven by prescription painkillers, continue to outpace the number of fatalities from traffic accidents in Kentucky," Senator McConnell said. "While I recognize the need to protect legitimate patient access to prescription painkillers, FDA must do better to protect our friends and families from unwanted dependence and addiction to prescription opioids. I had a productive meeting with Dr. Califf this afternoon, and will be reviewing the details of FDA's proposal carefully."

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