HEALTH

FDA Approves Colorado Plan To Import Canadian Drugs

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Denver — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved Colorado’s plan to import 20 specified prescription drugs from Canada, a program the state pursued after legislation signed in 2019 and a formal application submitted in 2022; the list includes widely used medicines such as Ozempic and Eliquis. State officials and Gov. Jared Polis said the approval allows Colorado to begin setting up supply chains and seeking manufacturer cooperation, with the governor estimating up to $46 million in savings over three years and potential price reductions as large as 60% on some medications; Florida was the first state approved in 2024.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2019: Colorado enacts law authorizing pursuit of a drug importation program.
2020: Federal regulation permits states and tribes to propose importation plans.
2021: Biden administration reaffirms the regulatory route via executive action.
2022: Colorado submits its drug importation plan and revises it in response to FDA feedback.
2024–Most recently: Florida receives approval in 2024; the FDA approved Colorado’s plan on Monday.

Why This Matters to You

Colorado's plan to import drugs from Canada could mean big savings for you. Medications like Ozempic and Eliquis could become cheaper. The governor estimates up to $46 million in savings over three years. Some drugs might even see price drops of 60%.

The Bottom Line

This is a significant step towards reducing prescription drug costs. But it's not a done deal yet. Colorado still needs to set up supply chains and get manufacturers on board. Keep an eye on your prescription prices. And send this to someone who might benefit from cheaper meds.