Through a fast-track procedure, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation to reduce unnecessary animal testing within the pharmaceutical industry.
By unanimous consent, the House passed the FDA Modernization Act 3.0. A bill that mandates the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to “publish an interim final rule” under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 to replace “outdated and inhumane” animal testing with modern methods grounded in human biology.
“This bill will transform drug development for the 21st century,” Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), sponsor of the legislation, affirmed.
“It’s a win for patients, a win for innovation and a win for animal welfare. I’m proud to champion this bipartisan measure to accelerate safer, more humane and more effective medical breakthroughs,” Rep. Carter added.
Congressman Buchanan Celebrates the Bill's Passing
Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), Co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus in Congress and cosponsor of the updated legislation, celebrated the bill’s passage.
“The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 ensures that drug testing reflects today’s science, bringing promising treatments to families faster without relying on unnecessary animal testing,” Rep. Buchanan stated. “As Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee and author of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, I am proud to see this bill build on that work.”
Rep. Buchanan's Role As A Prominent Advocate For Animals
Rep. Buchanan, a prominent advocate for ending animal testing, introduced the predecessor to the current bill, which was signed into law in 2022. The prior legislation helped strip an 80-year-old rule that ordered drug manufacturers to use the inhumane practice to “prove a drug’s safety and efficacy.”
The updated version of that bill now directs the FDA to fully implement its predecessor, giving animals – including an estimated 50,000 dogs – “the opportunity to leave research facilities and find caring homes.”
