The Food and Drug Administration has granted permission to Florida to be the first state allowed to import less expensive medications from Canada, in a major policy shift that could allow Americans to access cheaper versions of drugs that cost thousands of dollars.
While people in the United States are allowed to make direct purchases from Canada, the decision will make Florida the first state to be allowed to purchase less expensive drugs in bulk from Canadian wholesalers.
In making their case to the FDA, Florida officials claimed critical prescription drugs in the state can cost nearly $400 per pill, putting a significant burden on patients who need life-saving medications.
And the US has some of the highest prescription drugs costs in the world, with prices 218 percent of those available in the country’s neighbor to the north.
For name-brand, non-generic versions of medications, that expense is 294 percent of Canadian prices, meaning drugs in Canada are only 46 percent and 34 percent, respectively, the cost of American medications.
By importing Canadian medications, Florida officials estimate the state could save up to $150million in the first year.
The FDA’s approval is the first step in the win for Florida, but now it must send the FDA details on which drugs it wishes to import and how the state plans to do so.
Drugs to be imported in the beginning of the partnership will include those to treat HIV, AIDS, diabetes, hepatitis C and some psychiatric conditions.
An FDA official told The New York Times Florida will be able to buy medications in bulk to use in US government clinics, prisons and Medicaid programs.
Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, Vermont and Wisconsin all have laws allowing importation of drugs, with some having applied for the same permission from the FDA
However, the states have yet to receive a response from the federal drug agency.
While the decision is a win, Florida can expect significant push back from lobbying groups and drug makers.
One of the pharmaceutical industry’s largest lobbying group, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), which has filed suits challenging past importation efforts, is expected sue once again to prevent Florida from enacting its plan.
Additionally, some drug manufacturers have agreements with Canadian drug wholesalers that do not allow the export of their medications.
The Canadian government has also already taken steps to block Florida’s efforts when it comes to importing prescription drugs in short supply.
Experts say importing drugs from Canada, a country with a population of 40 million people, will hardly help with drug shortages and prices in the US.
Florida’s population alone is near 22million, with the US home to 332million people.
Maryse Durette, a spokeswoman for Health Canada, told the Times: ‘Canada’s drug supply is too small to meet the demands of both American and Canadian consumers.
‘Bulk importation will not provide an effective solution to the problem of high drug prices in the U.S.’
The FDA’s approval is the first step, but the state has more red tape to get through.
Now, it must send the FDA details on which drugs it wishes to import and how the state plans to do so.
