Bill > HR7352

This bill, known as the PASTEUR Act of 2026, aims to bolster the development and availability of innovative antimicrobial drugs to combat the most challenging infections and pathogens. It establishes a program within the Public Health Service Act where the Secretary of Health and Human Services can enter into contracts with developers of "eligible antimicrobials," which are drugs that treat urgent or serious threats identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or determined by the Secretary, and address an unmet medical need. To qualify for a contract, a drug must be approved or licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and then undergo a scoring process based on its contributions to patient care, innovative characteristics, and benefits to health systems and public health. If an eligible antimicrobial meets a minimum score, the Secretary will approve its application and enter into a contract, providing annual payments ranging from $75 million to $300 million, adjusted for net revenue from sales. In return, drug sponsors must ensure the drug's availability in the U.S., track and report resistance data, develop strategies for appropriate use, maintain a reliable supply chain, and adhere to environmental manufacturing standards. The bill also creates a Critical Need Antimicrobial Advisory Group to provide expert advice, and establishes grant programs to support health facilities in judiciously using antimicrobials and combating resistance, including a pilot program for outpatient facilities. Furthermore, it mandates enhanced surveillance and public reporting of antimicrobial use and resistance data. The program is authorized to receive $6 billion for fiscal year 2026.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7352/all-info