Canadian drug-importation

HHS issued a summary about a Jan. 12 discussion between Secretary of Health Xavier Becerra and Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland.

Colorado officials say they haven’t been able to stand up a program to import drugs from Canada because of drugmaker opposition — and the Biden administration’s inaction.

The FDA had been expected to decide by next week, but a back-and-forth between state and federal officials about details of the proposal means the wait will continue, a court document says.

The state has filed another lawsuit alleging that the FDA violated the Freedom of Information Act by not properly responding to a request for records about Florida’s attempt to get approval for its proposal.

The FDA has long blocked the importation of cheap medicine, agreeing with pharmaceutical manufacturers that it opens the door to opioids. The agency’s own data shows that rarely happens.

The Biden administration denies the state's allegations that it is "protecting the interests of pharmaceutical companies" or that it has not properly complied with a public records request.

The Trump’ administration approved a rule in 2020 to help clear the way, but groups including the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America launched a legal challenge that remains unresolved.

In a court filing, the administration says it has no timeline on whether it will allow states to import drugs from Canada, an effort approved under President Donald Trump as a strategy to control costs.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said importing prescription drugs through a Canadian wholesaler could save Floridians between $80 million and $150 million a year.

On Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis included $15 million in his proposed 2021-22 budget for an importation program. That would come on top of $10 million the Legislature already directed toward the plan.