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with the FDA and the Attorney General.
Savings on Canadian drug imports are enormous. A recent survey of prices for ten popular prescription drugs showed Canadian prices were 33% - 80% cheaper than U.S. drugs.* The substantial price disparity is generating intense political pressure to break down trade barriers against allowing Americans to purchase foreign drug imports.
"I'm launching an all-out attack on drug prices," Delegate Black said, "It is time to end these unfair trade barriers and drive down the price of prescription drug costs."
Delegate Black would have Virginia join at least 13 other states in a growing grassroots rebellion against FDA rules prohibiting drug imports. Many such drugs are patented or even manufactured in the United States. Although the FDA prohibits their importation, pressure from state-led initiatives like Delegate Black's threaten to overwhelm federal resistance. Black said, "We're joining a nationwide rebellion against soaring health care costs."
Although Delegate Black's bill failed in Richmond, the need for such a law has reached national levels. Congress is looking at similar legislation to be introduced on Capitol Hill soon.
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*Savings immense on Canadian Drugs, The Washington Times, Nov. 6, 2003. |
