F.D.A. Issues First Approval for Mass Drug Imports to States From Canada

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/...e_code=1.LU0.hacn.0KZCNWG-iGkX&smid=url-share


The agency authorized Florida to purchase medicines directly from wholesalers in Canada, where prices are far cheaper. Pharmaceutical companies oppose the plan.

 

Canada has limited Ozempic, a diabetic drug repurposed for weight loss to the US due to shortages in Canada, mostly from B.C.

 

Canada has had other drug shortages as well. Selling large amounts of any pharmaceutical out of country may lead to drug shortages for Canadians.

 

So, Canada will be producing pharmaceuticals for the USA. Who is going to benefit from the profits?

I can imagine a scenario where a drug costs $500 (per dose) in the USA and costs $100 in Canada. The US buys the Canadian drug, pays $100 for it then sells it to Americans for $450. This would be ripping off both ordinary Canadians and ordinary Americans.