Trump opens door to drug imports from Canada

The Trump administration opened the door Wednesday to the importation of drugs from Canada and other foreign markets, marking a historic step for federal regulators as President Trump’s other drug-pricing ideas falter.

The Health and Human Services Department outlined two pathways for bringing in the drugs. One proposed rule would allow states, drug wholesalers or pharmacists to seek federal approval of plans to import drugs from Canada that are safe versions of FDA-approved drugs.

The second route, through draft guidance, would let companies bring in versions of drugs they sell abroad, using a special national code to offer a lower U.S. price than what their current, Byzantine distribution contracts require.

It’s a notable evolution for a Republican administration. For years, the GOP has looked askance at drug importation, citing safety concerns, and the powerful pharmaceutical lobby has pushed back, too.

Now, the administration says there is a pathway to importation.