FDA to allow Florida to import prescription drugs from Canada

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a Florida program that sets the stage for the state being able to import certain prescription drugs from Canada at a lower cost, the agency said Friday.

The FDA’S decision came in response to a proposal from Florida, under a law that allows states or Indian tribes to import prescription drugs from Canada if it reduces costs to American consumers without creating other health and safety risks.

“The FDA is committed to working with states and Indian tribes that seek to develop successful section 804 importation proposals,” Robert M. Califf, FDA’S commissioner, said in a statement. “These proposals must demonstrate the programs would result in significant cost savings to consumers without adding risk of exposure to unsafe or ineffective drugs.”

Before Florida can import drugs from Canada, it has to submit information for FDA’S review and approval regarding the specific drugs it seeks. Florida will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the supply chain, reporting when patients have bad reactions to drugs and complying with recalls.

The FDA’S move comes at a time of intense focus by President Joe Biden’s administration to tackle the high price of prescription drugs, and as major players in the pharmaceutical industry are also shifting their strategies in an aim to make drugs more affordable and accessible.

Eli Lilly said Thursday that it would provide its popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs directly to patients through a telehealth service, an uncommon move for a drugmaker, in a bid to make it easier for patients to access its medicines. CVS said last month that it plans to revamp drug pricing at its vast network of pharmacies starting in 2025, a shift that industry analysts said could have far-reaching effects on what consumers pay for prescriptions at the counter.