Senate Passes Enzi, Hassan Bill to Protect Against Counterfeit Medical Products

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill introduced by U.S. Senators Mike Enzi of Wyoming and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, to help protect patients from counterfeit medical products. According to a joint news release from the senators, the Safeguarding Therapeutics Act would give the Food and Drug Administration authority to seize and destroy counterfeit medical devices and products, including COVID-19 tests and vaccines, as well as counterfeit combination products like EpiPens.

Senator Enzi said that it’s crucial that we work to protect patients and ensure confidence in our healthcare system, especially as we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. House passed similar legislation in September, but because the Senate version had small technical differences, the Safeguarding Therapeutics Act now must be passed by the House before being sent to the president for his signature.