Florida drug importation will have little impact
First state drug import program aimed at voters, not patients
In a move that is more likely to improve polling numbers than enhance access to medicines, FDA has approved the first state prescription drug importation program. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has cited the proposed importation program on the campaign trail as evidence of his commitment to reducing drug prices. In a press release announcing the approval, FDA stated that its actions are consistent with President Joe Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy.
FDA’s approval of Florida’s program to import drugs from Canada includes steps that will take time to implement, including establishing capabilities to test imported drugs for authenticity, ensuring the chain of custody, and relabeling drugs. The cost of these measures will eat into any savings. ...