STAT+: FDA approves Colorado’s plan to import cheaper drugs from Canada

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Colorado's plan to import prescription drugs from Canada on Monday, making it the second U.S. state to receive such authorization. This move aims to reduce medication costs for Colorado residents. The practice of Americans seeking drugs from Canada for lower prices has been ongoing for over 25 years, but official endorsement and regulatory frameworks emerged later. The Trump administration published a regulation in 2020 allowing states and Indian tribes to propose import plans, which was affirmed by the Biden administration via executive order in 2021. Florida was the first state to gain FDA approval for a similar program in 2024. However, implementing these state importation programs has faced significant challenges. Florida has not yet imported any drugs, citing opposition from the Canadian pharmaceutical industry and concerns about impacting Canada's drug supply. The FDA extended Florida's approval by six months in May to allow more time for program implementation.