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

[Jaybee00]

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.

 

[Mij]

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

 

[DokaGirl]

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

 

[Arnie Pye]

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.