Bipartisan Drug Importation Bill Introduced in Senate

A bipartisan coalition including some of the nation's most powerful and influential senators has introduced a bill that would allow U.S. consumers to import "safe prescription drugs" from other countries.

The bill -- the Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act -- was co-sponsored by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Olympia Snow (R-Maine). A companion bill of the same name was also introduced in the House.

The legislation addresses the safety concerns expressed by opponents of importation, by ensuring that the FDA will get the authority and resources it needs to implement a safe and effective program, according to Grassley.

"If Americans could legally access prescription drugs outside the United States, then drug companies would be forced to re-evaluate their pricing strategy," he said.

To ensure that drug manufacturers cannot thwart importation, the bill includes nondiscrimination provisions, according to Grassley.