NFI endorses legislation allowing prescription drug reimportation

 

August 13, 2007--The National Federation of Independent Business has announced its endorsement of legislation (S 242 and HR 380) that would allow the purchase of lower-cost, FDA-approved drugs from other nations, CQ HealthBeat reports (CQ HealthBeat, 8/10).

The legislation would allow consumers, pharmacies and wholesalers to purchase FDA-approved prescription drugs that are manufactured at FDA-inspected facilities in 19 industrialized nations.

Under the legislation, which would establish a regulatory framework for reimportation, FDA would regulate shipments of prescription drugs reimported into the U.S. for commercial or personal use.

The bill also would require FDA to inspect Canadian prescription drug exporters 12 times annually (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 5/8).

In its endorsement letter, NFIB wrote that the legislation "secures a framework for the safe and legal importation of prescription drugs," adding that it "is pleased that your legislation includes specific requirements that ensure that every imported drug meets U.S. safety standards."

More than 50 consumer, labor and other organizations have endorsed the bills, which would save U.S. residents an estimated $50 billion over the next 10 years, according to advocates.

Opponents of the legislation, including the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, claim allowing drug reimportation would open the nation's drug supply to counterfeiters (CQ HealthBeat, 8/10).