John Ensign: “Prescription drugs and medical technology save lives. Advances in medicine have given patients who are fighting deadly…”

“Prescription drugs and medical technology save lives. Advances in medicine have given patients who are fighting deadly diseases or managing chronic conditions hope for a healthier future. Prescription drugs are working to meet the emerging diabetes epidemic, save the lives of cancer patients, and forestall the terrible burden of Alzheimer's. These advances in medicine are helping patients today. Although these lifesaving drugs have the enormous potential to improve lives, at times they also have the potential to harm. We all know that no prescription medication is absolutely safe. There is always some degree of safety and health risks. Drug companies selling products in the United States must comply with regulations and procedures mandated by the Food and Drug Administration. FDA approval, however, does not always guarantee drug safety. The bill we are debating today intends to improve drug safety and will significantly change the drug approval process at the FDA. I believe it is important to improve the drug approval process and, at the same time, ensure patients access to new and innovative therapies. In order to achieve this goal, a carefully balanced approach is necessary.”