President Obama Has Just Signed The 21st Century Cures Act Into Law...

Still much about the law is uncertain: including whether it will be modified or curtailed by the next administration.

But as our previous backgrounder indicated, there are some provisions that are both laudable, and may well survive the 45^th President's executive order "red-lining" pen. From today's Wa Po, then -- a bit:

. . . .“We are bringing to reality the possibility of new breakthroughs to some of the greatest health-care challenges of our time,” Obama said. “It is wonderful to see how well Democrats and Republicans in the closing day of this Congress came together around a common cause. And I think it indicates the power of this issue and how deeply it touches every family across America.”

The 21st Century Cures Act had wide bipartisan support and has been held up as an example of what Congress can accomplish by working together. After a previous version of the bill stalled in the Senate for more than a year, a new version — cheered by the drug and medical device industry, patient advocates and universities — made a swift passage through the lame-duck session.

The measure’s critics — mainly consumer watchdog groups and health policy experts — have argued that the popular funding provisions mask a worrisome loosening of regulations at the Food and Drug Administration that could put patients at risk. . . .

And, in truth, it does provide several pharma-friendly provisions -- ones that Mr. Trump is unlikely to rescind. As I wander off, then -- I'll observe that with the sub-zero temperatures arriving overnight, here, in the city of big shoulders, the white snows -- shimmering, and shining under the last Super Moon of 2016 seem ever. . . quieter. Ominous, almost. But. Just. Almost. Smile. . . . g'night.

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