Hill Country Chronicle

Rep. Chip Roy and Sen. Ted Cruz have reintroduced the "Reciprocity Ensures Streamlined Use of Lifesaving Treatments" (RESULT) Act, aiming to accelerate the FDA's approval process for potentially lifesaving medicines. This legislative effort seeks to reduce bureaucratic delays by allowing reciprocal approval of drugs, devices, and biologics already authorized in certain developed countries.

Congressman Roy criticized the current system: "Waiting for a pencil-pusher in Washington to green-light medications that are already approved in other trusted countries is the epitome of the bureaucratic nightmare that has plagued our healthcare system." He emphasized that the bill would remove barriers preventing Americans from accessing necessary care.

Senator Cruz echoed these sentiments, stating: “Washington bureaucracy and regulations far too often interfere with the healthcare decisions of patients and their doctors." He added that the RESULT Act would enable access to treatments proven safe abroad, urging his colleagues to support its passage.

The proposed legislation will amend existing laws to allow reciprocal drug approvals from foreign sponsors in trusted countries like EU member states, the UK, Israel, Australia, Canada, and Japan. The FDA would have 30 days to approve or deny applications under this framework. The Secretary of Health and Human Services would be directed to approve products if they meet specific criteria, including lawful approval in listed countries and addressing public health needs.

Additionally, Congress could overturn an FDA denial through a majority vote via a joint resolution.