The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday approved Florida's request to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
Policymakers across the political spectrum have long sought to import drugs from Canada and Florida, where prices are lower. authorization It became the first state to import large quantities of drugs from America's northern neighbor.florida Estimate It could save as much as $150 million on drugs to treat conditions such as diabetes, hepatitis C and certain mental illnesses.
Republicans have long been divided over whether to allow drug imports from Canada. (Related: Biden's signature law was supposed to lower drug prices, but it backfires)
Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis first applied to the state to import drugs from Canada in November 2020, Politico reported. report. At the time, the governor had the support of then-President Donald Trump. was suggested A year ago, it was imported from Canada, as were Republican members of Florida's congressional delegation.
A few years ago, in 2017, 13 Republicans joined a majority of Democrats to vote in favor of a bill that would allow the importation of Canadian drugs. report.
Proponents of drug imports say imports can lower prices, but critics say they can hinder innovation and the development of new drugs. according to To the Washington Examiner.
Support for drug imports among Americans is high, with 78% supporting Canadian drug imports. according to According to a 2019 survey conducted by KFF Health News.
A man sells painkillers in Cucuta, Colombia, near the Simón Bolívar International Bridge on the border with Tachira, Venezuela, on February 7, 2019. (Photo by Raul Arboleda/AFP)
Although there is significant public support for drug imports, and eight other states have sought or plan to seek FDA approval for imports, import advocates face significant hurdles.
The American Pharmaceutical Research Association, the drug industry's main trade group, has sued over past import efforts and is expected to sue again to block Florida's recent approval. according to In the New York Times. Additionally, some pharmaceutical companies already have agreements with Canadian wholesalers not to export medicines.
The Canadian government has also taken steps to block drug exports, citing concerns that the country's drug supply is too low to serve both Americans and Canadians, the NYT reported.
The FDA directed the Daily Caller News Foundation to: press release when asked for comment.
According to a press release, Florida will be required to submit quarterly reports to the FDA documenting cost savings and potential safety and quality issues. Additionally, the FDA said the state of Florida will be responsible for implementing and monitoring the import program.
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