Partnership for Safe Medicines Statement on Biden Administration Executive Order to Foster Competition

Washington, D.C. (July 12, 2021) - Shabbir Safdar, executive director of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, released the following statement in response to President Biden’s executive order to foster competition, which favors importation of prescription drugs from Canada:

"The Biden Administration's executive order directing FDA to help states develop plans to import prescription drugs from Canada is dangerous. At a time when we’re seeing increasing counterfeit and adulterated medical devices, products, and treatments around the world, the Administration wants to move forward with a flawed policy exacerbating the problem and put the lives of Americans at greater risk.

"The pandemic highlighted the dangers that counterfeiters present. It showed us that, even in the most secure supply chain in the world, when supply is limited but demand is high, counterfeiters will try to find a way.  Providing an importation end-run around existing protections will only help counterfeiters. Since Canada does not have a drug traceability system, we won’t be able to verify the authenticity of the medical products purchased as part of importation programs.

“Further, there is simply insufficient supply of medicines in Canada, and the Canadian government, Canadian wholesalers, Canadian healthcare professionals and patients have made it clear they won’t assist the U.S. in importing Canadian drugs.

“But this hasn’t stopped states from investing in importation.  Florida itself has committed over $10 million to get its own version of a drug importation plan up and running and still has no Canadian manufacturer willing to supply it. Rather than save money for states, drug importation plans are going to cost states money. And, when Canada nixes the idea, states will have nothing to show for it.

“The Administration and Congress should focus on policies that will have a real impact on what American consumers pay for prescription medicines.”