The orders, which are subject to regulatory review, are designed to bring U.S. drug prices at least on par with their costs overseas.
President Donald Trump on Friday signed four executive orders aimed at lowering the high cost of prescription drugs in the United States in what would make sweeping changes to the prescription drug market in the U. S. if they are finalized. The orders, which are subject to the regulatory review process, are designed to bring U. S. drug prices at least on par with their costs overseas. Trump said Americans often pay 80% more for prescription drugs than Germany, Canada and other nations for some of the most expensive medicines. « The four orders I’m signing today will completely restructure the prescription drug market in terms of pricing and everything else to make these medications affordable and accessible for all Americans, » Trump said at the White House. « Under my administration, we’re standing up to the lobbyists and special interests and fighting back against a rigged system. » The first order targets high insulin prices, requiring federal community health centers to pass discounts they receive on the drug and EpiPens directly to patients. Trump said those providers shouldn’t receive those discounts while charging their patients « massive, full prices. » The second order would allow states, pharmacies and wholesalers to import drugs from Canada where they typically cost less than in the U. S. In most circumstances, it is illegal to import medications from other countries for personal use, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The pharma industry and regulators have said importing drugs could threaten consumer safety.
