July 24, 2020
Yoho, Pocan, Norcross circulate “Dear Colleague” on GFI #256
Three members of Congress — Ted Yoho (R-FL, also a veterinarian), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Donald Norcross (D-NJ) — have written a “Dear Colleague” letter to their peers, asking for signatures on a letter to FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn. The issue: FDA’s GFI #256 on animal compounding.
“This draft guidance would apply a human drug compounding rule to animals,” they wrote, “making it more difficult for veterinarians to do their job[s].”
“In the letter, we ask the FDA to identify the specific statutory authority supporting GFI #256, that GFI #256 be modified or withdrawn so that it complies with existing laws, does not increase the cost of animal health care, or restrict safe pharmaceutical options for veterinarians.”
You can read both the “Dear Colleague” letter and the letter to FDA by clicking here.
We owe a huge thank you to representatives Yoho, Pocan, and Norcross — as well as to all those who sign on the letter to Commissioner Hahn. This kind of pressure may be what it takes for the FDA to reconsider a poorly thought-out guidance document.
What you can do: Contact your member of Congress and ask them to watch for and sign this letter from Yoho, Mark Pocan, and Norcross. It’s a great opportunity to explain the issue as well.
