ORPHAN DRUG AMENDMENT COMPROMISE BILL CLEARS SENATE LABOR CMTE. UNCHANGED; KEY TO HOLDING TOGETHER BIO AND NORD COMPROMISE MAY BE PREVENTING CHANGES

Executive Summary

An orphan drug bill cleared the Senate Labor Committee without amendment May 11 by a 134 vote, marking the first step toward potential passage of the bill after six years of debate. Forged from discussions with the Biotechnology Industry Organization and the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the legislation (S 1981) enjoys the endorsement of both groups as a "true compromise." The bill was introduced March 24 by Sens. Kassebaum (R-Kans,), Metzenbaum (D-Ohio) and Committee Chairman Kennedy (D- Mass.) ("The Pink Sheet" March 28, p. 3).