WEDNESDAY, September 19, 2007 – Two of U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers’ health initiatives were adopted by the U.S. House today as part of a bicameral compromise on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Amendments Act of 2007.

Rogers, MI-08, included language in the measure that improves the technology for identifying and protecting Americans against counterfeit prescription drugs; and also added language to improve access to pediatric medical devices.

Counterfeit prescription drugs:

“Counterfeit medications create life-threatening situations for Americans who depend on a safe supply of prescription drugs,” said Rogers, who served as an FBI agent and currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.

Rogers’ language requires the FDA to develop and recommend standards to encourage the utilization of anti-counterfeiting technologies and to enhance and coordinate inspections and enforcement activities with in the government and private sectors.

“This is a crucial step to secure our prescription medications against the threat of fake drugs, but further work is still necessary to identify and punish criminals who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the health and lives of millions of Americans.”

Rogers continues to pursue adoption of his bill calling for tougher criminal penalties for counterfeiting prescription drugs, including establishing life prison terms if a fake drug causes a death.        

Pediatric medical devices:

“Adult medical devices rarely adapt for use in treating small babies or young children,” Rogers said. “Pediatricians tell us that development of children’s medical devices can be a decade behind those for adults. Children should not be shut out of advances in medical technology.”

Rogers’ language mirrors legislation he introduced with Rep. Edward Markey, D-MA-07, earlier this year.  It offers incentives to device manufacturers to create medical devices specifically designed to meet the needs of pediatric patients and it gives the FDA authority to review the devices and require post-market studies to ensure continued safety and effectiveness.           

The House voted 405 to 7 to adopt the measure. A vote also is expected this week in the Senate.