The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, June 18, edition that Colorado has become the second U.S. state approved by the FDA to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada. The Globe's Chris Hannay writes that Florida was the first to receive approval in 2024, but no drugs have been shipped through its program, and drug companies claim they did not collaborate with Florida's state government.
The FDA okayed Colorado's plan on Monday and the state released a list of 20 specific drugs approved for import, including the Novo Nordisk's Type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic. Innovative Medicines Canada, the main lobby group for patented drug makers, had said in February that it was not aware of any companies working with Florida.
On Wednesday, the group said it was up to companies to disclose collaborations with Colorado and indicated that such a program wouldn't harm Canada.
"Experience in comparable jurisdictions -- such as Florida -- indicates that similar measures have not resulted in significant supply diversion," spokesman Erin Polka said.
Novo said it does not want its products that are intended for sale in Canada to be diverted elsewhere. Novo declined to say if it was working with Colorado's government.
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