April 28, 2021

Manchin Reintroduces Bill To Protect Americans From Dangerous Opioids

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) reintroduced the Protecting Americans from Dangerous Opioids Act, which would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove one opioid medication currently on the market for every new opioid medication that they approve.

“Last year was the highest number of overdose deaths the United States has ever recorded, with likely over half of those involving an opioid or synthetic-opioid. It’s simply heartbreaking to lose so many Americans and West Virginians in addition to those we have lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Manchin. “My commonsense bill would help limit dangerous opioids on the market by requiring the FDA to take an opioid off the market for every new opioid approved. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work with me on this legislation to help address the drug epidemic and keep the opioid industry in check.”

Senator Manchin’s recent efforts to address the drug epidemic:

  • On April 26th, Senator Manchin reintroduced the Changing the Culture of the FDA Act, which would amend the FDA mission statement to include the agency’s responsibility for addressing the ongoing drug epidemic.
  • On April 22nd, Senators Manchin and Tim Scott introduced the bipartisan Non-Opioid Directive (NOD) Act, which would establish a non-opioid directive form that allows patients to notify health professionals that they do not wish to be treated with opioids.
  • On April 21st, Senator Manchin delivered remarks on the Senate Floor urging Congress to pass his bipartisan bill, FIGHT Fentanyl Act, which would permanently reschedule fentanyl and fentanyl related substances.
  • On March 26th, Senator Manchin led seven Senators in calling on President Joe Biden to bring in new FDA leadership to address the growing opioid epidemic that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background information can be found here.

Bill text can be found here.