House sends FDA fee bill to Senate for final vote

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House is passing a bill that will increase inspections of drug manufacturing facilities overseas, while also funding review of new drugs at home. Under the bill, approved by majority voice vote Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration will have more flexibility to inspect sites in China, India and other countries. The number of U.S. drugs produced overseas has more than doubled over the last decade. The underlying legislation renews an agreement under which drug companies pay the FDA to review new products. The FDA will collect $6.4 billion in fees from companies over the next five years. The bill sorts out differences in prior legislation passed by the House and Senate. It goes to the Senate for a final vote.