The decision is a major win for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who sought to make his state the first to import cheaper prescription drugs.
The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved Florida’s plan to import drugs from Canada, a major blow to drugmakers who have warned counterfeit medicines could be introduced into the U.S. supply chain and harm patients, and who could see their bottom lines affected.
The decision is a major win for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who sought to make his state the first to import cheaper prescription drugs. The state submitted its application with the FDA more than three years ago, and DeSantis, who is vying for the Republican presidential nomination, blames the Biden administration for the long wait.
DeSantis’ office did not immediately provide a comment on the FDA approval.
“Florida has demonstrated that [the drug importation plan] will significantly reduce the cost of [drugs] to the American consumer without posing additional risk to the public’s health and safety,” the FDA said in its
letter authorizing the Florida plan.
Before drugs can be imported, Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration needs to submit specific medicines to the FDA for review and approval and ensure that they have been tested for authenticity and safety.
