Lawmakers Seek Analysis of Government Involvement in Regenerative Therapy Research

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has been asked by a bipartisan group of six senators to analyze and report on current federal activities impacting regenerative medicines.

The lawmakers are asking the GAO how federal dollars are being spent on research into the novel therapies and whether the funds can be put to use in other ways. “Given the federal budget crisis, it is imperative that we invest limited resources as effectively as possible,” the letter adds.

The senators also seek details about which federal programs are supporting or barring research into regenerative medicines and how federal agencies work together on the issue.

The letter was signed by Sens. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).

Industry has been longing for clearer direction on the niche market, and the FDA last month held a workshop to help sate drugmakers’ appetite.

Read the letter at www.fdanews.com/ext/files/11-15-13-Regenerative.pdf. — Nick Otto

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