Canadian drugs

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris want to take on the pharmaceutical companies. The vice president is seen as more aggressive on the issue, but the former president's allies say it would be a top priority.

It's our monthly medical roundtable, when we dive into the month's most significant health headlines.

Florida Hospital Association president Mary Mayhew tells "The Florida Roundup" that she hopes people can start benefitting from the program within the year.

Alex Azar advanced Canadian drug importation as Donald Trump’s secretary of Health and Human Services. Now he chairs the board of a company managing Florida’s importation program.

Health Canada said “bulk importation will not provide an effective solution to the problem of high drug prices in the U.S." while noting it would ensure Canadians have access to the medications they need.”

The FDA said Florida’s program will be authorized for two years. Approval comes after months of wrangling that led to the state filing two lawsuits against the agency.

AHCA Secretary Jason Weida told a state House panel he is “cautiously optimistic” the FDA will approve the plan, which the state has been pursuing since 2019.

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.

With a decision expected this fall on whether Florida can import cost-saving drugs, the state lashed out after federal officials raised issues such as a requirement for a secured warehouse in Michigan.

The state alleges the federal agency violated the Freedom of Information Act. The revised lawsuit includes allegations that the FDA did not properly respond to a records request submitted in May.