The Honorable Morgan Griffith
2202 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Griffith:
On behalf of National Taxpayers Union (NTU), I write in support of your legislation, H.R. 1703, the “Medical Product Communications Act of 2017.” This legislation would amend current law to reduce Washington’s interference with the doctor-patient relationship by clarifying both the rules allowing manufacturers to release scientific information regarding off-label uses of drugs and the lines of communication between a doctor and their patient.
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves drugs on the basis of specific conditions. Drug manufacturers are then allowed to market products for this “on-label” usage. In practice doctors often prescribe the same medicine to treat other conditions that are not approved by the FDA. This is known as the “off-label” use. Drug companies are prohibited from engaging in communication with medical professionals about these off-label uses of FDA approved drugs, leaving doctors in the dark about potentially beneficial effects of drugs that have been deemed as safe by the FDA.
H.R. 1703 would allow drug manufacturers to disclose the documented benefits of off-label use, thereby granting doctors the cutting-edge information they need to accurately prescribe medication and improving the quality of healthcare that patients receive.
By removing unnecessary regulations, “Medical Product Communications Act” would ensure all stakeholders have access to the best scientific data available necessary to ensure better outcomes for patients and our healthcare system as a whole. NTU is pleased to endorse H.R. 1703 and we encourage all representatives to co-sponsor the legislation and work toward its swift enactment.
Sincerely,
Brandon Arnold
Executive Vice President