Bill · S. 1930· Senate(119-S-1930)
Small Biotech Innovation Act
- Introduced
- 6/3/2025
- Last activity
- 6/3/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Bill Cassidy
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Small Biotech Innovation Act aims to amend the Social Security Act regarding the Medicare drug price negotiation program. It seeks to create an exception for certain drug manufacturers starting in the year 2029. This exception applies to research and development-intensive small biotech manufacturers. To qualify, these manufacturers must meet specific revenue investment thresholds and drug count criteria. The bill also outlines rules for when a company is acquired by a different manufacturer.
Yes
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+6
The bill provides a significant regulatory exception specifically designed to benefit small biotech manufacturers.
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
Small biotech business owners benefit from the new exemption from price negotiations.
Does this put more money into medical research?+3
The exception may incentivize more R&D investment by small biotech firms.
The opposite· 3 of 6
Does this lower the price of prescription medicines?-4
By exempting specific drugs from negotiation, the bill may prevent price reductions that would otherwise lower drug costs.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-3
By exempting certain drugs from price negotiation, the bill may increase Medicare drug spending compared to the baseline.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?-2
Seniors on Medicare may face higher drug costs because certain drugs are exempt from price negotiations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Drug Price Negotiation Exception: A qualifying single source drug from a research and development-intensive small biotech manufacturer would not be considered a "negotiation eligible drug" (Section 2, subparagraph (D)(i)). This means such drugs would be exempt from the Medicare drug price negotiation program.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Loss of Exception Upon Acquisition: If a manufacturer that meets the criteria is acquired by a manufacturer that does not meet the definition of a research and development-intensive small biotech manufacturer, the drug will no longer be eligible for the exception (Section 2, subparagraph (iii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+5Good For Low Income Households-2Good For Retirees-2Good For Seniors-2Good For Veterans-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+6Reduces Government Spending-3
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+3Reduces Prescription Drug Costs-4
- 9/11/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/3/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Roger MarshallRepublican · Kansas