119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 8857
The Next GEN Act of 2026 modifies Medicare's Drug Price Negotiation Program by changing how certain specialty drugs called engineered cyclic peptides are treated. These are drugs made from amino acids with specific chemical structures, developed using advanced screening methods, and designed to be taken by mouth, inhaled, or self-administered by patients. The bill extends the period these drugs are protected from price negotiation from 7 years to 11 years after FDA approval, giving manufacturers a longer window before Medicare can negotiate their prices. This change affects Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayers by potentially delaying lower drug prices for this category of medications, while benefiting pharmaceutical companies that develop these drugs. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment for any drug price lists published by Medicare after the bill becomes law.