Federal agencies hope the initiative will modernize approval processes at self-insured health plans.

Swiss drugmaker Roche and China-based Hansoh Pharmaceutical are expanding their cancer drug development partnership under an agreement that includes $400 million upfront.

The task force is designed to coordinate federal efforts to improve research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of women's health conditions.

Government analysts predict first-year compliance costs for a typical small firm will exceed $300,000.