Sorensen drug-pricing bill draws criticism from former FDA official

(The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Illinois, is backing legislation he says would lower prescription drug costs by targeting the use of Food and Drug Administration citizen petitions that can delay generic drug competition. But critics argue the proposal could undermine an important regulatory process and discourage investment in new medicines.

Sorensen recently reintroduced the bipartisan STOP GAMES Act, legislation aimed at preventing what he describes as “sham” citizen petitions filed by brand-name drug manufacturers to slow FDA approval of competing generic drugs. The measure would give the FDA greater authority to reject petitions it determines are primarily intended to delay market entry of new drugs.

“Nobody should have to choose between filling their prescription and paying rent,” Sorensen said in announcing the bill.

The congressman said pharmaceutical companies use the petition process to block lower-cost alternatives and keep drug prices high. The legis...