East Arizona News

U.S. Representative David Schweikert recently introduced the Substance Therapy Designation Act, a bill aimed at expediting the development and review of treatments targeting addictive substances such as opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and alcohol. The legislation would allow these substances to be eligible for an FDA breakthrough therapy designation, ultimately speeding up the process of bringing effective treatments to those in need.

Speaking about the bill, Rep. Schweikert highlighted the urgency of addressing the ongoing crisis of illicit drugs flowing into the country. He emphasized the importance of saving lives and promoting safety and treatment for individuals struggling with addiction. Rep. Schweikert stated, “In the month of March alone, United States Border Patrol has seized almost 15,000 pounds of controlled substances. With the Substance Therapy Designation Act, I hope to be able to save more children that are falling victim to the continuing influx of these illicit drugs.”

The Substance Therapy Designation Act aims to address the growing concerns surrounding addictive substances, particularly in states like Arizona, which has seen a rise in fentanyl-related incidents. According to a report by the Arizona Department of Health Services, the total cost for opioid-related hospitalizations in 2022 was $2.2 billion. Fentanyl, in particular, has been a common component in many opioid overdoses in the state, with Maricopa County witnessing an average of three deaths per day due to fentanyl overdoses.

The bill also mandates that the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary grant a fast-track designation and priority review to opioid, cocaine, methamphetamine, and alcohol treatments. This move is crucial in advancing the development of innovative treatments for addiction.

Furthermore, the Substance Therapy Designation Act aligns with recent advancements in addiction treatment research. For instance, a vaccine to combat cocaine addiction developed at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil is currently undergoing clinical trials. Another research team at the University of Houston is working on a clinical-grade vaccine targeting fentanyl, which has shown promising results in immunized rats by blocking the substance from entering the brain.

Rep. Schweikert's commitment to improving public health is evident through his various roles in congressional committees and caucuses. He serves on the Ways and Means Committee, chairs the Congressional Valley Fever Task Force, and is actively involved in bipartisan efforts such as the Blockchain Caucus, Telehealth Caucus, Singapore Caucus, and the Caucus on Access to Capital and Credit.

The Substance Therapy Designation Act represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by addictive substances and advancing the development of effective treatments for individuals grappling with addiction.