Senate OKs Prescription Drug Imports

WASHINGTON —  The Senate agreed Wednesday to lift a ban on importing prescription drugs into the United States, responding to critics who have complained that Americans are being gouged on drug prices.

The measure, which passed 74 to 21, was attached to the agriculture spending bill being debated in the Senate. The drug issue centers on complaints that Americans pay more for drugs that are available more cheaply in other countries.

“Why are we charged so much more for the identical drug?” asked Sen. Byron L. Dorgan (D-N.D.), a sponsor of the measure.

Dorgan said the measure will “force the industry to reprice their drugs in this country.”

But critics charged that it is too risky to import drugs.

Sen. John B. Breaux (D-La.), said the Food and Drug Administration and Department of Health and Human Services are already overburdened. Certifying that drugs overseas are safe would be too burdensome, he said.

Current law allows only a manufacturer to re-import its product into this country. The measure approved by the Senate would allow pharmacists and drug wholesale distributors to purchase and import drugs that have been shipped from the U.S. to other nations.

The House has taken similar action. One House provision would prohibit the FDA from enforcing the import ban. Another provision would allow Americans to legally bring prescription drugs from Canada and Mexico.

The pharmaceutical industry opposes the legislation.

Alan Holmer, president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, said the Senate’s action could harm patients and would not ensure savings for consumers.

“The real solution is to expand drug coverage for those who most need it--elderly and disabled Americans,” he said.

The White House has not taken a formal position on the proposal, an FDA spokesman said.