STAT+: FDA approves Colorado’s plan to import cheaper drugs from Canada

STAT PlusPharmalot FDA approves Colorado’s plan to import cheaper drugs from Canada Florida became first state to receive approval, in 2024, but has yet to start importing drugs Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Lizzy Lawrence and Ed SilvermanJune 15, 2026 Lizzy Lawrence[email protected]Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53.Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration said Monday that it will allow Colorado to import certain prescription drugs from Canada in an effort to bring prices down for residents, making it the second U.S. state to be granted such authorization. For more than a quarter of a century, Americans have sought drugs from Canada for relief from the ever-rising costs of medicines, sometimes taking widely publicized bus trips across the border. It wasn’t until 2020, though, that the first Trump administration officially endorsed the practice, when it published a regulation allowing states and Indian tribes to propose import plans. The Biden administration affirmed this rule with an executive order in 2021. And Florida became the first state to earn FDA approval in 2024. Advertisement But state importation programs have proved extremely difficult to carry out, even with bipartisan support. Florida has yet to actually import any drugs from Canada, in part due to pushback from the Canadian pharmaceutical industry and fears the program will affect Canada’s drug supply. In May, the FDA extended its approval by six months to give the state more time to get its program up and running. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, drug pricing, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Lizzy Lawrence FDA Reporter Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53. Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot June 15, 2026 STAT Plus: A key European clinical trial registry lacks complete and timely results, an analysis finds Pharmalot June 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Pfizer’s emergency penicillin program, a Sanofi diabetes drug, and more Advertisement Pharmalot June 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Pharmalot June 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a discontinued cancer drug, a Novo security breach, and more Pharmalot June 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about employer coverage of obesity drugs, another Sanofi setback, and more Subscriber Picks