House OKs Bill to Speed Drug Approvals, Boost Bio Research

The House has overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan bill that would speed federal approval of drugs and medical devices and give a big financial boost to biomedical research.

Consumer organizations warn the measure would erode government safeguards against dangerous and ineffective products. But with strong backing from the medical industry and patients' groups, lawmakers approved it on a 344-77 vote.

Supporters say that with advances like genetic mapping and biologic medicines produced in living cells, it is time to streamline how federal regulators assess the safety of new treatments and let them reach markets.

The Obama administration has given the measure mixed reviews but has not threatened a veto. The Senate has yet to write its version of the legislation.