States apply to allow drug importation

With drug prices already so high, policymakers have been looking for ways to save on medications. One plan has been to allow distributors to import drugs from abroad, taking advantage of the difference in drug pricing across countries. Kaiser Health News reported on some recent state efforts to move forward on drug importation.

The idea of importing drugs from other countries seems to have bipartisan support. However, some states have applied for approval and are still waiting for permission from the FDA. The reasons for the delay might not be entirely clear, but it seems likely that the current administration is concerned about the political backlash from pharmaceutical companies that might ensue if the applications were approved. At the same time, delaying meaningful steps to curb the rise of drug prices might engender its own political backlash from ordinary voters.