Hatch, Bennet Reintroduce Path Act to Streamline Approval of Antibiotics

Press Release

Senators Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, and Michael Bennet, D-Colo, today re-introduced legislation to create a new drug approval pathway to streamline access and encourage innovation and development of potentially lifesaving antibiotic drugs for patients, particularly veterans who have encountered antibiotic-resistant bacteria while overseas.

"America has always been a beacon for innovation and discovery. The PATH Act will allow health experts to more easily develop new treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and make real progress in preventing a great number of illnesses and deaths in the United States," Hatch said. "I was pleased our proposal received such a positive response when we introduced it in the end of the last Congress, and I look forward to working with Senator Bennet and others to enact it into law."

"Bioscience companies, particularly in Colorado, are developing new drugs and technologies faster than we've ever seen before, but there is a lag in antibiotic treatments," Bennet said. "We need new drugs to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria that are posing serious and unique challenges to health care professionals. This bill will encourage investment in new drugs that could save the lives of thousands of Americans each year."

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