Key legislation approved to support animal drug development

AVMA testimony highlighted the legislation’s importance

The federal government has approved the continued collection of user fees that support veterinary drug development—legislation that AVMA’s then-president was invited to Capitol Hill in April to testify in favor of.

During her term as AVMA president, Dr. Lori Teller testified before a congressional committee about the importance of the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA) and the Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act (AGDUFA), explaining that they are essential to ensuring a predictable roadmap to market for effective animal drugs.

ADUFA and AGDUFA, which require reauthorization every five years, allow the collection of user fees from the sponsors of new, innovative animal drugs and generic animal drugs. The fees are used to enhance the review of animal drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine.

In addition to Dr. Teller’s testimony, the AVMA provided verbal and written comments highlighting the value of these programs in filling the need for veterinarians to have more safe and effective animal drugs available for use.

Why the legislation matters

Dr. Teller, now the AVMA’s immediate past president, praised the approval of the legislation, which was reauthorized in conjunction with the most recent government spending bill.

“Building a robust pipeline of innovative new animal drugs and ensuring a strong generic industry is vital to veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Teller. “As a result of the legislation, we will have access to more safe and effective animal drugs to treat the animals under our care.”

“It was an honor to testify before Congress on this important issue, and it highlights how critical it is for veterinarians to be part of the discussion during the legislative process,” she said.