Bill aimed at speeding FDA's sunscreen approval process moves forward

WASHINGTON — Legislation that would speed up and streamline the Food and Drug Administration’s approval process for new sunscreen ingredients passed the House on Monday, according to published reports.



The FDA has not approved a new sunscreen ingredient in nearly two decades. The Sunscreen Innovation Act would require that pending and new applications be completed in a more predictable and transparent manner.



“The Sunscreen Innovation Act will allow Americans access to the best sunscreen products on the market and spur innovation in an area of significant public health importance,” said Congressmen Ed Whitfield , R-KY-01, in a statement. “By establishing a regulatory framework with achievable timelines, we can ensure all sunscreen ingredients receive a transparent and timely safety review by the Food and Drug Administration.”



Senators Johnny Isakson, R-GA, and Jack Reed, D-RI, have introduced similar legislation in the Senate, S. 2141. According to published reports, the Senate is expected to vote on a version in September.



The Sunscreen Innovation Act will also help shed light on the FDA’s approval process by requiring the agency to periodically report to Congress on the progress of the program. In the past 40 years, melanoma rates have increased by 800% among young women and 400% among young men, according to the Melanoma Research Alliance.