FDA to allow limited drug importation

HHS Secretary Alex Azar Thursday directed FDA to form a working group to consider “how to safely import prescription drugs from other countries in the event of a dramatic price increase for a drug produced by one manufacturer and not protected by patents or exclusivities.”

In a statement, Azar said FDA “will examine importation of drugs that have seen significant price increases or significant access challenges for patients.” He cited the example of Turing Pharmaceuticals AG’s decision to increase the price of toxoplasmosis drug Daraprim pyrimethamine as the kind of price increase FDA may combat through importation. Turing is now known as Vyera Pharmaceuticals LLC (New York, N.Y.)...