MIAMI, Florida – The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America is reportedly preparing to file another lawsuit against Florida’s FDA-approved program to import prescription drugs from Canada, according to an unnamed source cited by Endpoints News. This legal action comes after the FDA recently approved Florida’s Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program, a two-year initiative aimed at lowering drug prices for American consumers by importing certain prescription drugs from Canada. Under the program, Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration must ensure the authenticity and compliance of the imported drugs with FDA standards.
The program is being hailed as the first of its kind in the United States and is expected to save the state up to $180 million in its first year of implementation. Florida will prioritize importing prescription drugs for chronic conditions including HIV, prostate cancer, and mental illnesses. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his satisfaction with the approval, stating that it was long overdue and would provide low-cost, life-saving prescription drugs to residents. DeSantis also criticized the FDA for prioritizing politics over patient welfare.
However, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America has expressed concerns about the potential dangers of importing unapproved medicines, regardless of their origin. The trade group’s president and CEO, Stephen Ubl, described the FDA’s approval of Florida’s importation plan as “reckless” and underscored the importance of ensuring patient access to safe and approved medications.
Florida’s pursuit of a drug importation program dates back to 2020 when it first submitted its proposal in an effort to reduce prescription drug prices. However, the FDA delayed its decision for three years, leading Florida to initiate a lawsuit against the agency for alleged foot-dragging. PhRMA also filed a lawsuit previously, but it was dismissed by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly who ruled that the industry group lacked standing.
In summary, PhRMA is preparing to challenge Florida’s FDA-approved program to import prescription drugs from Canada. While the program aims to provide cost savings and access to affordable medications for Floridians, concerns have been raised about the safety of imported drugs. This legal battle highlights the ongoing debate surrounding drug importation as a solution to high drug prices.