Drug Importation

The Issue

The price of medications varies depending on the country in which those pharmaceuticals are sold. As a result, some American consumers have turned to ordering their drugs from other countries. There are also government officials who have been pushing for broad state-wide programs to order drugs from other countries.

Our Position

Medications purchased from other countries are not monitored for safety and efficacy as are medications sold in this country. There are no assurances that consumers are actually receiving what they purchased.

Drugs are usually cheaper in other countries because of government imposed price controls. These price controls have devastated innovation abroad, particularly in Europe, which has seen an almost complete erosion of its pharmaceutical industry over the past two decades. Once the global leader in pharmaceuticals, Europe has ceded its leadership to the United States, where market forces help stimulate continued innovation by offering the potential for reward in the high risk ventures of drug discovery and development.

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About MassBio

MassBio is a not-for-profit organization committed to advancing the development of critical new science, technology and medicines that benefit people worldwide.

Founded in 1985, MassBio represents over 600 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, research hospitals, and service organizations involved in life sciences and health care, and works to advance policy and promote education, while providing member programs and events, industry information, and services.

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