Canada Drugs

Health Canada said “bulk importation will not provide an effective solution to the problem of high drug prices in the U.S." while noting it would ensure Canadians have access to the medications they need.”

The FDA said Florida’s program will be authorized for two years, and state officials must test the drugs to make sure they’re authentic and relabel them so that they comply with U.S. standards.

AHCA Secretary Jason Weida told a state House panel he is “cautiously optimistic” the FDA will approve the plan, which the state has been pursuing since 2019.

The FDA had been expected to decide by next week, but a back-and-forth between state and federal officials about details of the proposal means the wait will continue, a court document says.

With a decision expected this fall on whether Florida can import cost-saving drugs, the state lashed out after federal officials raised issues such as a requirement for a secured warehouse in Michigan.

The state alleges the federal agency violated the Freedom of Information Act. The revised lawsuit includes allegations that the FDA did not properly respond to a records request submitted in May.

Colorado, New Hampshire and New Mexico are also seeking federal permission to import cost-saving prescription drugs from Canada. President Joe Biden endorsed the approach in his 2020 campaign but has yet to approve any state plan.

Nearly three years after Florida lawmakers approved a plan to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada, Gov. Ron DeSantis is now criticizing the FDA after President Biden indicated he wanted to move forward with the plan.

The state, which continues to wait for FDA approval, expects to import drugs to treat asthma, COPD, diabetes, hepatitis C, HIV and AIDS, and mental health conditions.

Industry experts say Florida is likely to be the first state to win federal approval for a drug importation plan — something that could occur before the November election.

An online pharmacy that bills itself as Canada's largest is expected to be fined $34 million Friday for importing counterfeit cancer drugs and other...