{"id":115580,"date":"2024-01-06T06:14:39","date_gmt":"2024-01-06T11:14:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/PERSIAN-HERITAGE.COM\/?p=115580"},"modified":"2024-01-06T06:15:00","modified_gmt":"2024-01-06T11:15:00","slug":"fda-approves-floridas-request-to-import-cheaper-drugs-from-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/PERSIAN-HERITAGE.COM\/en\/2024\/01\/06\/fda-approves-floridas-request-to-import-cheaper-drugs-from-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"FDA approves Florida’s request to import cheaper drugs from Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"\"BBC \u2014 The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Florida’s request to import prescription drugs from Canada to rein in drug prices in the state.<\/b><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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Medicines in Canada can be nearly half the price of US counterparts and some drugs cost almost $400 a pill in Florida.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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The FDA’s decision could open the door for other states to follow suit.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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The major policy shift overrides decades of opposition from the US pharmaceutical industry.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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The industry’s major lobbying group has already indicated it will try to intervene.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Florida estimates the programme, which allows the import of certain prescription drugs used to treat conditions such as HIV\/AIDS, diabetes, hepatitis C and mental illness, will save state taxpayers up to $150m (\u00a3118m) a year.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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The sky-high costs of prescription drugs have been an ongoing political issue in the US, where prices are among the highest in the world.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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According to a\u00a0report by the OECD<\/a>\u00a0group of industrialised nations, the US spends more than double the average amount spent by other member countries on prescription medicines per capita.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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For example, where the UK paid approximately \u00a3246 ($314) per head in 2023, the US paid $1,139.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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In a statement announcing the\u00a0FDA’s authorisation<\/a>, Commissioner Robert Califf said the administration would continue to work with states and Indian tribes on these proposals.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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“These proposals must demonstrate the programmes would result in significant cost savings to consumers without adding risk of exposure to unsafe or ineffective drugs,” he said.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Florida’s approval does come with requirements, including how the drugs are labelled and ensuring they meet FDA specifications and standards.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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