Drug Importation in Obama's Blueprint

[NateRiver]

http://www.propertyrightsalliance.org/index.php?content=obamaimpor

Inferior toys, contaminated food supply and now our Pharmaceuticals are at risk.
Included in the budget is a provision that would allow the importation of foreign, non-patented, non-FDA approved pharmaceutical drugs. It also has a provision that "supports” not mandates the FDA's new efforts on importing drugs. Imported drugs also create an artificial price control that hinders the drug companies from trying to recoup the research and development costs, leading to few new and quickly approve drugs.

[Gratiot]

I'm personally a bit torn on this.  I really don't see it as being an end to research and development, that's just fear mongering IMHO.  Especially when you take into account the massive government grants, charitable endeavors, and foreign research which is a size-able portion of the newly discovered drugs.  Something is askew though, with drug prices and competition in America. 

Where the happy balance is, I don't know.

[thundley4]

Part of what I read is that this will allow the RE-importation of branded pharmaceuticals from Canada and other countries, because they are sold at much cheaper,(government price controls) in other countries. It would also prohibit the major  pharmaceutical companies from paying off the generic makers to keep their products off the shelves.

[Gratiot]

You have to love the Google ad being shown above this thread  

[thundley4]

You have to love the Google ad being shown above this thread  

Our version of DU Adbot?   

[Gratiot]

Part of what I read is that this will allow the RE-importation of branded pharmaceuticals from Canada and other countries, because they are sold at much cheaper,(government price controls) in other countries. It would also prohibit the major pharmaceutical companies from paying off the generic makers to keep their products off the shelves.

I honestly wonder, if legalizing the RE-importation on a mass-scale, would be the incentive needed to tackle pharmaceutical pricing altogether.  Shrugs

[thundley4]

I honestly wonder, if legalizing the RE-importation on a mass-scale, would be the incentive needed to tackle pharmaceutical pricing altogether.  Shrugs

It might be a catalyst if nothing else. Notice how Walmart was the driving force behind many national chains offering low priced prescriptions. 

[Gratiot]

It might be a catalyst if nothing else. Notice how Walmart was the driving force behind many national chains offering low priced prescriptions.

I agree, while it won't be the solution it could be just what it takes to finally tackle the political pricing and policies of the pharmaceutical companies.