Legislative Update Week of April 19, 2004

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Legislative Update Week of April 19, 2004

As you know, TSCL continues to be a supporter and a proponent of drug importation as a way of lowering prescription drug prices for seniors. This week on Capitol Hill, Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) introduced S. 2328, a bill that calls for legalizing drug importation from Canada, and that subsequently expands the nations from which the U.S. could import medicines. A group of ten bipartisan Senators have signed on as original co-sponsors.

In the past, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has refused to certify drug importation. The reason given was one of safety. This new bill would allow registered and licensed pharmacists and wholesalers to import prescriptions. Additionally, the drug importer would pay a fee of up to one percent of the price of the imported drug. With the collected money, the government would hire additional inspectors and customs agents, designed to ensure drug safety.

The bill would allow for the individual consumer to purchase a 90-day supply of prescription drugs directly from Canada. The consumer must purchase medicines from a list of FDA-inspected and approved Canadian pharmacies, which would be listed on the FDA website.

The legislation also says that drug manufacturers could not overcharge prices or restrict the supply of drugs to a registered American importer. Additionally, drug manufacturers cannot refuse inspections of their foreign plants if those sites made drugs that can be legally brought in to the U.S.

TSCL is encouraged by the ground being gained on drug importation. We will continue to monitor and support legislation that will reduce the high cost of prescription drugs for all seniors.

Sources: "Group of Senators Agrees on Drug Imports," The New York Times, April 22, 2004

April 2004