Canadian drug-importation

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.

The move comes just days before a U.S. rule was set to go into effect allowing for bulk importation of drugs from Canada. Trump promised it would lower costs and be a "game changer" for seniors.

Three groups argue that HHS Secretary Alex Azar is “punting” to the states the responsibility for demonstrating the imports will be safe and save costs.

Florida on Monday sent the federal government its plans for a program to import prescription medicines from Canada, aimed at lowering drug prices.

Health care budget writers have agreed to spend $10.3 million to help carry out a Canadian drug-importation program, about half of what Gov. Ron DeSantis…