March 3, 2009

Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail reports that U.S. President Barack Obama’s $3.55 trillion budget contained language that could change U.S. rules covering pharmaceutical trade between the U.S. and Canada.

For years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made it difficult for Americans to import drugs from other countries, including Canada, citing concerns about safety. Nonetheless, Internet sales have been brisk, and cross-border business is estimated at close to $1 billion (Canadian dollars) annually.

One section in President Obama’s budget, entitled “Lowers Drug Costs and Improves Food and Medical Product Safety,” noted that the budget “supports the Food and Drug Administration’s new efforts to allow Americans to buy safe and effective drugs from other countries.”