Pharma lobbying group slams ‘dangerous’ approval for Florida drug importation program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – PhRMA, a Washington, D.C.-based pharmaceutical lobbying group, expressed concerns about Florida’s new approval by the Food and Drug Administration to import low-cost prescription drugs from Canada.

“Dangerous. Unnecessary. Ineffective. These are just a few reasons why we are disappointed with the FDA’s decision to approve Florida’s drug importation scheme,” the group said on social media.

“This decision poses a serious danger to public health, and we are deeply concerned for patient safety both in Florida and nationwide,” the firm wrote. “Numerous states have tried and failed to implement drug importation over the years – most failed because the supposed savings were a mirage.”

“Unfortunately, that hasn’t stopped some from continuing to push dangerous and flawed importation schemes,” they added.

PhRMA highlighted several concerns they had, including an increased risk of counterfeit medications, an unnecessary strain on law enforcement and no guarantee that consumers will see any savings.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation in 2019 that would launch the program. However, the law was held up when the FDA had to conduct its approval process.

Now that it has been approved, the program is expected to save Florida $180 million in the first year, according to a press release.

The governor’s press secretary, Jeremy Redfern, called out the lobbying group on social media.

“Big Pharma is big mad that @GovRonDeSantis is standing up for Florida’s taxpayers instead of corporate interests,” Redfern said.

Christina Pushaw, the rapid response director for DeSantis’ presidential campaign, joined in by congratulating the governor for his work, despite the group’s concerns.

“When the literal Pharma Lobby is attacking you, you know you’re over the target. Great job @GovRonDeSantis,” she said.

The state will begin by providing prescription drugs in a small number of drug classes which will include maintenance medications to help individuals who have chronic health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, mental illness, prostate cancer, and urea cycle disorder.

Elected officials celebrated the state’s victory after a three-year-long struggle with the federal government that resulted in the FDA approval on Friday.

“Florida has won many legal battles against the Biden administration, and I am pleased they finally decided to back down and stop standing between Florida and lower prescription drug prices,” Attorney General Ashley Moody said.

The Agency for Healthcare Administration Secretary Jason Weida said he was “excited” to finally have the opportunity to give “Floridians access to safe and affordable prescription drugs.”