Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Swift Approval, Full Evaluation Drug Act

or the

SAFE Drug Act

Postmarket studies regarding drug safety; postmarket labeling changes

(a)

Postmarket orders regarding studies

Chapter V of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 505B the following section:

505C.

Postmarket studies regarding drug safety

(a)

Postmarket orders

Within 30 days after receiving evidence of a significant issue regarding the safety or lack of effectiveness of an approved drug, including reports of adverse events, studies conducted or reports released by the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or another relevant agency, actions or reports by regulatory agencies in foreign countries, or studies or case reports published in scientific or academic journals, the Secretary, after providing public notice of the significant safety or effectiveness issue, may order the holder of the approved application to conduct a study or studies to address the issues involved. Each such notice and order shall be published in the Federal Register. (b)

Restrictions on use

(1)

In general

An order under subsection (a) with respect to an approved drug may, during the period in which the study involved is conducted, establish restrictions on the distribution or use of the drug if the Secretary determines that such restrictions are necessary to ensure the safe use of the drug during such period. (2)

Certain authorities

Restrictions that may be established by the Secretary under paragraph (1) with respect to a drug include the following: (A)Restricting distribution to certain facilities or physicians with special training or experience. (B)Conditioning distribution on the performance of specified medical procedures. (C)Restricting direct-to-consumer advertisements for the drug. (3)

Termination

The Secretary may, on the basis of the results of the study or other evidence, continue the restrictions under paragraph (1), terminate restrictions established or establish different restrictions, as necessary to ensure the safe use of the drug. The Secretary shall notify the sponsor of the decision to extend, terminate or change the restrictions no later than 30 days after the date on which the results of the study involved are submitted to the Secretary. (c)

Definition

For purposes of this section, the term approved drug means a drug for which an approved application under section 505 is in effect or for which a biologics license under section 351 of the Public Health Service Act is in effect.

(b)

New drug applications; postmarket studies pursuant to accelerated approval

Section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355) is amended by adding at the end the following subsection:

(o)(1)The Secretary shall amend subpart H of part 314 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, to establish the following policies: (A)As a condition of the approval under such subpart of a new drug on or after the date of the enactment of the SAFE Drug Act, the Secretary shall require that one or more postmarket studies of the drug be conducted. (B)The Secretary may not approve the application involved unless— (i)the sponsor has submitted to the Secretary the protocols for each such study; (ii)the Secretary has approved the protocols; and (iii)the Secretary and the sponsor have agreed on a timeframe, including designated milestones, for the prompt completion of the study, which timeframe assumes due diligence by the sponsor in conducting the study. (C)The Secretary shall require that, after the application is approved under such subpart and the drug enters commercial distribution, the drug be marketed in accordance with the following: (i)The distribution and use of the drug shall be restricted in accordance with such subpart. (ii)Until the Secretary determines that the sponsor has fulfilled its commitments under subparagraphs (A) and (B), the labeling of the drug shall bear— (I)a statement that the Food and Administration is requiring a study or studies to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the drug; and (II)a statement providing a clear and concise summary of the outstanding issues or questions to be addressed in such required studies. (iii)Until the Secretary determines that the sponsor has fulfilled its commitments under subparagraphs (A) and (B), the label of the drug shall bear a statement providing as follows: This product received conditional approval from the FDA under its accelerated approval process. It will not receive full approval until completion of further testing to confirm safety and/or efficacy. For further information please contact your physician.. (iv)Direct-to-consumer advertisements for the drug shall be restricted until— (I)the Secretary determines that the sponsor has fulfilled its commitments under subparagraphs (A) and (B); and (II)the drug has been approved under such part 314 independently of subpart H of such part. (2)The Secretary shall amend part 314 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, to establish the following policies regarding postmarket studies that, on or after the date of the enactment of the SAFE Drug Act, are required pursuant to approval of a new drug under subpart H of such part or under section 506(b)(2) of this Act: (A)If a required study is not completed by two years after the date on which the new drug was so approved, the Secretary shall, promptly after the expiration of such period, convene a public meeting of the appropriate advisory committee to review the progress of the study. Such review shall include the assessment of compliance with the timeframe for prompt completion of the study as agreed to by the company and the Secretary under paragraph (1)(B)(iii) or under section 506(b)(2) (as the case may be), the quality of study conduct, rates of enrollment overall and by institution, the barriers to progress, and whether the sponsor is acting with due diligence. At the meeting, the advisory committee shall determine whether it is in the best interest of the public to allow the sponsor to continue marketing the drug until the study is completed or whether it is in the best interest of the public to suspend the commercial marketing of the drug until the study is completed. (B)If the drug was approved on the basis of animal efficacy data because human efficacy studies are not ethical or feasible, the holder of the approved application shall conduct studies when ethical and feasible to verify and describe clinical benefit and to assess the product’s safety. (C)If the results of a completed study that was so required are inconclusive or the risk-to-benefit profile cannot be positively established, the Secretary shall withdraw the product for commercial distribution. If a required study is not completed by eight years after the date of approval, the results of the study are presumed to be inconclusive. The product may only be made available to patients who— (i)according to a health care professional have previously benefitted from the product; and (ii)have signed a statement of informed consent stating that they have received notice from the sponsor that the results of completed studies on the product have proven to be inconclusive and/or the risk to benefit profile can not be positively established. The document shall include the risks of continuing the product.

Otherwise the product shall be unavailable except in a research setting until the product can meet the same standard of safety and effectiveness that exists for full approval.

(c)

Enforcement regarding postmarket studies

(1)

Misbranding

Section 502 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 352) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(x)If it is a drug with respect to which there is a failure to comply with a requirement under section 505(o)(1), an order under section 505C, or a requirement under section 506(b)(2).

(2)

Civil penalties

Section 303 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 331) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(g)(1)(A)Any person who violates section 301(a), 301(b), or 301(c) by reason of section 502(x) shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than 100 percent of the gross profits received by the sponsor from sales of the drug, or $1,000,000, whichever is greater, subject to subparagraph (B). (B)If any harm to a consumer occurs as a result of a violation referred to in subparagraph (A), the person involved may be subject to a civil penalty of not more than an amount equal to 300 percent of the gross profits received by the person, or $3,000,000, whichever is greater. (2)Any person who fails to act with due diligence to complete a postmarket study required under section 506(b)(2), or under subpart H of part 314 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than the amount that applies under subparagraph (A) or subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) (as the case may be) for a violation referred to in such paragraph. The Secretary shall by regulation define the term due diligence for purposes of this paragraph. (3)The provisions of paragraphs (3) through (5) of subsection (f) apply to a civil penalty under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) or under paragraph (2) to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions apply to a civil penalty under paragraph (1) or (2) of such subsection.

(d)

Postmarket labeling changes

Section 502 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by subsection (c)(1) of this section, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(y)If it is a drug and the manufacturer of the drug or product fails to make changes to a product’s labeling in compliance with an order of the Secretary, issued on the basis of clinical evidence (including studies submitted to the Secretary, an analysis of adverse events reports, studies conducted or reports released by the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or another relevant agency, actions or reports by regulatory agencies in foreign countries, or studies published in scientific or academic journals), that the labeling of the drug be modified to include specific wording required by the Secretary to ensure the safe and effective use of the drug.

(e)

Rule of construction regarding certain pediatric studies

The amendments made by this section establish authorities in addition to, and not in lieu of— (1)the program under section 505A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and (2)authorities under section 505B of such Act.

Whistleblower protections

(a)

Prohibition

It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge, demote, suspend, reprimand, investigate, or take or fail to take any other personnel action that in any manner discriminates against any covered individual, or in any other manner discriminate against any covered individual (including by a denial, suspension, or revocation of a security clearance or by any other security access determination, or by denial of award of a Federal contract or subcontract), or to threaten or recommend the discharge, demotion, suspension, reprimand, investigation, other personnel action (or rejection of such action) that in any manner discriminates against any covered individual, or other manner of discrimination if such action, discrimination, or recommendation is due, in whole or in part, to any lawful act done, perceived to have been done, or intended to be done by the covered individual— (1)to provide information, cause information to be provided, or otherwise assist in an investigation or proceeding regarding any conduct which the covered individual reasonably believes constitutes evidence of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, a substantial and specific threat to public health or safety, abuse of authority, or fraud, waste, or mismanagement of public funds, if the information or assistance is provided to or the investigation or proceeding is conducted by— (A)a Federal, State, or local regulatory or law enforcement agency (including an office of Inspector General under the Inspector General Act of 1978); (B)any Member of Congress, any committee of Congress, or the Government Accountability Office; (C)any person with supervisory or managerial authority over the covered individual (or any other person who has the authority to investigate, discover, or terminate misconduct); or (D)a potential witness to or other person affected by or aware of the conduct described in this section who has the authority to investigate, discover, or terminate misconduct; (2)to file, cause to be filed, testify, participate in, or otherwise assist in a proceeding or action filed or about to be filed relating to an alleged violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or (3)to refuse to violate or assist in the violation of any law, rule, or regulation. (b)

Enforcement action

(1)

In general

A covered individual who alleges discharge or other discrimination by any person in violation of subsection (a) may seek relief under subsection (c) by— (A)filing a complaint with the Secretary of Labor; or (B)if the Secretary has not issued a final decision within 180 days after the filing of the complaint and there is no showing that such delay is due to the bad faith of the claimant, bringing an action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court of the United States, which shall have jurisdiction over such an action without regard to the amount in controversy. (2)

Procedure

(A)

In general

An action under paragraph (1)(A) shall be governed under the rules and procedures set forth in section 42121(b) of title 49, United States Code. (B)

Exception

Notification made under section 42121(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, shall be made— (i)to the person named in the complaint; and (ii)to the person’s employer. (C)

Burdens of proof

An action brought under paragraph (1)(B) shall be governed by the legal burdens of proof set forth in section 42121(b) of title 49, United States Code. (D)

Statute of limitations

An action under paragraph (1) shall be commenced not later than 6 years after the date on which the violation occurs. (c)

Remedies

(1)

In general

A covered individual prevailing in any action under subsection (b) shall be entitled to all relief appropriate to make the covered individual whole. (2)

Damages

Relief for any action under subsection (b) shall include— (A)reinstatement with the same seniority status and employment grade or pay level (or the equivalent) that the covered individual would have had, but for the discrimination; (B)compensatory damages, including the amount of any back pay, with interest; (C)compensation for any special damages sustained as a result of the discrimination, including litigation costs, expert witness fees, and reasonable attorney fees; and (D)punitive damages in an amount not to exceed the greater of 3 times the amount of any monetary damages awarded under this section (apart from this paragraph) or $5,000,000. (d)

Rights retained by covered individual

Nothing in this section shall be deemed to diminish the rights, privileges, or remedies of any covered individual under any Federal or State law, or under any collective bargaining agreement. The rights and remedies in this section may not be waived by any agreement, policy, form, or condition of employment. (e)

Notification

The provisions of this section shall be prominently posted in any place of employment to which this section applies. (f)

Definitions

For purposes of this section: (1)The term covered individual means an employee of the Food and Drug Administration. (2)The term lawful means not specifically prohibited by law.

Right to publish

Subchapter E of chapter V of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360bbb et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following section:

565.

Right to publish

Officers and employees of the Food and Drug Administration, and individuals sponsored by such Administration, may publish in peer-reviewed journals and other scientific publications, and make oral presentations at professional society meetings and other meetings of their peers, unless publication or presentation of the data is subject to Federal export control or national security laws or regulations, or is proprietary information. The right to publish or present such data cannot be waived by any agreement, policy, form or condition of employment.

Biennial reports on approved applications supported by non-inferiority studies

Section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by section 2(b) of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following subsection:

(p)

Biennial reports on approved applications supported by non-inferiority studies

The Secretary shall submit to the Congress biennial reports on approved applications under subsection (b) (including supplemental applications) that have been supported by data from one or more non-inferiority studies. For each such application, the report shall include the following information: (1)The name of the drug listed in application. (2)The name of the sponsor. (3)The date of the approval. (4)The name of each drug used as an active control in the non-inferiority studies used to support the application. (5)The indication studied. (6)The primary and secondary endpoints of the non-inferiority studies. (7)The margins used in such studies. (8)The explanation required by section 314.l26(b)(2)(iv) of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, as to why the drugs should be considered effective in the study.

Biannual reports regarding postmarket studies

Section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by section 5 of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following subsection:

(q)

Biannual reports regarding postmarket studies

The Secretary shall submit to the Congress biannual reports that provide the following information: (1)The number of enforcement actions taken to ensure that sponsors are complying with the requirements to complete postmarketing studies under subsection (o) and sections 505C and 506(b)(2), together with a description of each such action. (2)The measures taken by the Secretary to establish a system to ensure effective monitoring of the status of all such postmarketing studies, together with a description of the status of that system. (3)The measures taken by the Secretary to develop a system to track information about ongoing postmarketing safety issues, together with a description of the status of that system.