Congressman Don Davis Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Preserve Access to Lifesaving Drugs

Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) Introduced the bipartisan Maintaining Investments in New Innovation (MINI) Act, legislation ensuring continued access to medical therapies developed with genetically targeted technology (GTT). Drugs made with GTT are often designed to treat life-threatening rare diseases, and the MINI Act will incentivize investment in the next generation of cures for patients in desperate need. By removing an artificial bias against GTT cures, the legislation is creating a brighter future for those suffering from serious medical conditions. 

Alongside Congressman Davis, Representatives Joyce (R-PA), Gottheimer (D-NJ), Tenney (R-NY), Morelle (D-NY), Hudson (R-NC), Yakym (R-IN), Peters (D-CA), Moore (R-UT), Crenshaw (R-TX), Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Van Duyne (R-TX), Allen, (R-GA), & Bean (R-FL) joined in support.

“We must ensure patients suffering from rare and chronic diseases have access to lifesaving medications for years to come, By incentivizing innovation in breakthrough treatments, the MINI Act is a win for patients, a win for breakthrough scientific research, and a win for common sense, bipartisan solutions,” said Congressman Don Davis. 

"The Maintaining Investments in New Innovation Act is a narrowly tailored solution that fixes the perverse incentives that exist in current law, which thwart and discourage American life sciences innovation," said Congressman John Joyce, M.D., (PA-13). "Every day, American innovators are finding new, safe, and more effective treatments that allow my constituents and all Americans to live longer, healthier, happier lives – and I’m proud to work with my colleague, Congressman Davis, to introduce the MINI Act and empower these innovators to develop the next miracle cure.”

“The MINI Act is bipartisan legislation to make surgical corrections to existing law to protect future innovation and promote groundbreaking advancements in genetically targeted medicines. There is no scientific basis for why genetically targeted technologies, which take years of research to develop and are highly complex to manufacture, are treated differently from similarly complex biologics. By aligning policy with innovation, we can preserve the development of this emerging class of medicines, which are often used to treat rare and debilitating diseases,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

“The drug price setting scheme enacted in the Inflation Reduction Act was the result of hasty and shortsighted lawmaking,” said Congressman Rick Allen. “I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this much-needed, bipartisan measure to right the ship. The Mini Act will help increase access to lifesaving cures for the rare disease community and provide necessary flexibility to improve breakthrough scientific research. I thank Congressman Davis for his leadership and look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation on behalf of patients nationwide.” 

"I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan MINIAct which will make common-sense adjustments to correct harmful, unintended regulatory consequences that will stifle amazing innovations from genetically targeted drug treatments,” said Congresswoman Van Duyne.

"The IRA's drug provisions have significant flaws that harm innovation and the future of healthcare. While there is still much work to be done, this legislation is a crucial step in fixing one of the many deeply flawed IRA provisions," Congressman Yakym said. "I am proud to support this measure as we continue striving to improve healthcare quality, affordability, and access in America."

“I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting the Maintaining Investments in New Innovation Act,” said Congressman Bean. It is vital that we allow researchers to innovate and to develop cutting-edge treatments that are transforming the lives of patients across the country, especially those suffering from a rare disease.”

The following quotes have been provided by patient advocacy organizations for use in press releases and other publicity materials related to reintroduction of the MINI Act.

 "The MINI Act is about more than just technology—it’s about protecting potential innovations that can transform lives. For people with Spina Bifida, advancements in mobility, wound management, and neurogenic care are essential for independence and health. By ensuring these technologies exist and are accessible and protected, the MINI Act can pave the way for greater freedom, better care, and improved quality of life for people with Spina Bifida."  

 Sara Struwe, President & CEO, Spina Bifida Association 

“For patients and families affected by genetic disorders, medical innovation isn’t just a concept—it’s a lifeline. Genetically targeted technologies (GTTs) bring hope for personalized treatments that go beyond managing symptoms to address the root genetic causes. Protecting and advancing GTTs isn’t just about scientific progress; it’s about delivering life-saving treatments and transforming lives for those who need them most.”

Angie Fuller, Executive Director, KIF1A.ORG

“Genetically targeted technologies (GTTs) represent a new frontier in the treatment of many of the most devastating diseases, including the leading cause of death for Americans - cardiovascular disease. The MINI Act represents an important step to safeguard investment in these innovative therapies.”

Hilly Paige, Jr., Chief Innovation Officer, Family Heart Foundation

"On behalf of the Amputee Coalition, we strongly support the re-introduction of the MINI Act H.R.1672 as it will incent continued innovation in important genetic targeted technologies (GTTs) and treatments. We believe this legislation will remove obstacles to future investments in GTTs, which are critical for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), a genetic vascular disorder that narrows arteries and reduces blood flow to arms and legs, often resulting in limb loss."

Ashlie White, Chief Strategy and Programs Officer, Amputee Coalition

"HealthyWomen supports the MINI Act H.R.1672 to continue investment in research and development for genetically targeted technologies, or GTTs. These treatments address debilitating and rare diseases affecting women such as:

•  Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A common genetic disorder that causes dangerously high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increasing the risk of early heart disease.
•  Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1: A genetic disorder that causes the liver to produce too much oxalate, leading to recurrent kidney stones, severe abdominal pain and kidney damage.
•  Acute Hepatic Porphyria: A group of genetic disorders that affect the body’s ability to produce heme, an essential component of red blood cells, causing the buildup of toxic substances in the liver, triggering severe and often unpredictable attacks.

By encouraging medical innovation in GTTs, this legislation not only improves health outcomes for women but also lightens the strain on caregivers, who are, more often than not, women themselves."

Beth Battaglino, President & CEO, HealthyWomen

 The Maintaining Investments in New Innovation Act would amend the Inflation Reduction Act (Public Law 117-69) to create parity between GTTs, which are a subset of “small molecules,” and biologics, or “large molecule” medications. In doing so, both GTT and biologic therapies would be subjected to the same timeline for the Medicare price negotiation program. Therefore, the MINI Act removes an arbitrary disincentive that discourages investment in small molecule treatments like those used with GTTs. 

 Congressman Don Davis serves as the vice ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee and sits on the Subcommittees on Tactical Air and Land Forces and Readiness. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1994 and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.