Washington, D.C.  – U.S. Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI15) visited the Therapeutic Systems Research Laboratories (TSRL) Inc. headquarters this week in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  He spoke to workers and executives and toured the facility.  He saw firsthand the helpful work this lab is doing to improve anti-viral and anti-influenza therapies.

Drug development is primarily funded through the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—the nation’s leading medical research agency.  Congressman Dingell is a strong supporter of NIH.  NIH funded research is expanding the knowledge of promising therapies, prevention strategies and diagnostic tests for many drug therapies.  The Congressman has consistently pushed for increased funding for this critical agency.

“Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit TSRL ,an innovative drug development company in Ann Arbor that develops drug therapies to improve the way we treat cancer and influenza.  TSRL is a strong example of how federal investments can help kickstart the development of promising new treatments and technologies here at home that can compete with our neighbors abroad.  I urge my colleagues in Congress to continue supporting robust funding for NIH, to foster research and drug development, and the FDA so they can continue to approve and ensure the safety and effectiveness of next generation pharmaceuticals.”

Congressman Dingell has worked throughout his career to improve drug development and ensure that all Americans have access to the necessary treatments and pharmaceuticals to combat deadly viruses and diseases.   He is the author of H.R. 1483, the Drug Safety Enhancement Act.  This legislation would equip the Food and Drug Administration, the agency responsible for approving brand and generic drugs, with the funding and authorities it needs to ensure the safety of our drug supply.  Among other things, H.R. 1483 would  increase FDA inspections of foreign manufacturing to put it on par with domestic facilities; provide FDA with mandatory recall, administrative detention, seizure; strengthen oversight of importers and customs brokers; and, would require manufacturers to notify FDA of counterfeits or safety concerns with their drugs.

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