In the near future, we plan to introduce legislation to modernize Pennsylvania’s licensure process by permitting pharmaceutical manufacturers to apply for state licensure concurrently with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process.

Pennsylvania is home to a thriving life sciences sector that develops lifesaving medications and groundbreaking medical technologies. To remain competitive and attract continued investment, we must ensure that our regulatory framework keeps pace with innovation.

Under current law, pharmaceutical manufacturers must complete the lengthy FDA approval process before applying for a Pennsylvania license.

This requirement can delay introduction of new treatments to the market.

Our legislation would allow manufacturers to apply for state licensure concurrently with their FDA approval process, provided they certify that an FDA application has been submitted or will be submitted within one year. This update aligns Pennsylvania with many other states that already permit parallel licensure and positions our Commonwealth as a more attractive destination for cutting-edge companies and high-quality jobs.

Importantly, this proposal does not change federal safety standards or approval requirements. Instead, it ensures Pennsylvania is prepared to act once federal approval is granted, reducing unnecessary administrative delays while maintaining strong oversight.

This bill will be a companion to HB 2162.

Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation.