Canada warned on Monday that it stands ready to protect its prescription drug supplies from a U.S. import plan, adding that the plan would not work for the U.S. anyway. “Large imports will not be an effective solution to America’s high drug price problem.” Health Canada said in a statement:.
Defensive postures take place a few days after the match. U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives Florida permission to import cheap prescription drugs directly from Canada This is to help bring down America’s uniquely stratospheric drug pricing.Florida is the first state to receive such approval, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis celebrated it, claimed drug imports could save the state “up to $180 million in the first year alone.” However, there are some caveats. Before Florida can import a drug, there are several requirements, including submitting additional drug-specific information to the FDA, testing the drug for authenticity and FDA compliance, and relabeling it according to the FDA label. must be completed.
FDA authorized the import program pursuant to Section 804 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The move stems from President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, which directed the FDA to help develop such programs.
“FDA is committed to working with states and Indian tribes seeking to make Section 804 import proposals successful,” FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said in a statement. stated in the announcement. “These proposals must demonstrate that the program provides significant cost savings to consumers without increasing the risk of exposure to unsafe or ineffective drugs.”
Supporters of the U.S. program argue that importing cheaper drugs from abroad could increase competition in the market and lower U.S. drug prices. Canada, like other countries, has lower drug prices than the United States, in part because the country’s health care system negotiates the prices of prescription drugs. The U.S. government only began negotiating prices last year, but the move is currently facing lawsuits from several drug companies.
However, Canada, which has about one-ninth the population of the United States, has staunchly opposed U.S. imports of medicines. We have repeatedly said that diversion of medicines to the United States could lead to drug shortages in Canada, worsening existing shortages and causing price hikes.
Canada said in a statement Monday that it is strengthening its defenses against such a possibility in light of the FDA approval. “The Government of Canada is taking all necessary steps to protect the drug supply and ensure Canadians have access to the prescription medicines they need.”
The report goes on to say that “Health Canada actively monitors Canada’s drug supply” and prevents exports from abroad if it has the potential to cause or worsen drug shortages within Canada. He cited recent Canadian regulations banning drug distribution. “The Department will take immediate action to address non-compliance, from requesting corrective action plans, issuing public advisories and other forms of communication, to taking action against the licenses of regulated parties that violate the export ban. Don’t hesitate. It’s guaranteed.”
US pharmaceutical companies also intend to oppose the plan. said Stephen Uble, CEO of the influential industry group PhRMA (Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association). in a statement The group said it was “deeply concerned by the FDA’s reckless decision to approve Florida’s import plan” and argued that the imports “pose a serious risk to public health.” Ubl concluded that “PhRMA is considering all options to prevent this policy from harming patients.”
