Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Canada Restricts Export Of Prescription Drugs In Limited Supply
NPR: Canada Blocks Export Of Medications In Short Supply In Response To Trump Plan
Ahead of an expected surge in U.S. demand for prescription drugs, the Canadian government has blocked the distribution of certain medications outside Canada in order to avoid a shortage within the country. The Canadian health minister signed an order Friday to limit bulk exports, saying it would help safeguard the country's drug supply. The move comes in response to a new U.S. rule that would let pharmacists or wholesalers import certain prescription drugs in bulk. (Schwartz, 11/29)
Bloomberg: Canada To Prevent Distribution Of Some Drugs Ahead Of U.S. Rule
Canada has imposed measures to limit the distribution of some drugs, a move that’s largely aimed at the U.S. The Canadian government is putting the new guidelines in place to protect its drug supply from bulk sales across the border that could worsen the current deficit, Health Minister Patty Hajdu said in a statement. Companies will now be required to provide information to assess existing or potential shortages, and within 24 hours in serious cases. (Balji, 11/28)
The Hill: Canada Moves To Limit Prescription Drug Exports After Trump Order
Canadian officials, responding to a move by President Trump allowing Americans to import some prescription drugs, blocked bulk exportation of drugs in cases in which a domestic shortage would be created. The order took effect Friday ahead of the U.S. rule, which drug suppliers have warned could lead to shortages within Canada, Reuters reported. (Budryk, 11/29)
Also —
Tampa Bay Times: Trump’s Plan To Import Drugs Into U.S. And Florida Faces Legal Challenge
An influential pharmaceutical lobbying group is suing to end the Trump administration’s plan to allow prescription drugs to be imported from Canada into the United States. That could have major implications for Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump have highlighted state and federal efforts to lower the cost of prescriptions. DeSantis announced last week that Florida’s importation plan had been submitted to the federal government. (Wilson, 11/27)
