Market Place
Canada opposes US plans to import drugs; PhRMA steps up its lobbying spend
PharmaCompass has been routinely covering Trump administration’s efforts at tackling high drug prices. Earlier this month, there were reports that the administration is working on allowing the importation of cheaper drugs from other countries.
However, the Trump administration’s efforts received a fresh setback as Canada said it opposes any US plans to buy Canadian prescription drugs that might threaten the country’s drug supply or raise costs for its own citizens.
At least ten US states, including Florida, have passed or proposed laws to allow imports of cheaper drugs from other countries, but actual shipments would not be legal without federal approval. The US Health and Human Services secretary said last week the government was looking into ways to import cheaper prescription drugs from overseas.
Back in April, Canadian officials had cited research suggesting shipments of drugs to the US could cause shortages in Canada. The Canadian government’s position has not changed since then.
Meanwhile, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the drug industry’s primary trade group, increased its spend on lobbying during the second quarter.
PhRMA, which represents leading drugmakers, reported spending US$ 6.2 million in the quarter ending June 30, 2019 — a 12 percent increase from US$ 5.5 million in the same period last year. The group reported lobbying on several pieces of legislation that dealt with drug pricing.
The PharmaCompass Newsletter – Sign Up, Stay Ahead
Feedback, help us to improve. Click here
Image Credit : #Phisper Infographic by SCORR MARKETING & PharmaCompass is licensed under CC BY 2.0
“ The article is based on the information available in public and which the author believes to be true. The author is not disseminating any information, which the author believes or knows, is confidential or in conflict with the privacy of any person. The views expressed or information supplied through this article is mere opinion and observation of the author. The author does not intend to defame, insult or, cause loss or damage to anyone, in any manner, through this article.”
