Drug Importation: Managing Supply Chain, Regulations and Safety in Canada and the U.S.

May 23, 2007 • 9:00 am – 12:15 pm EDT

On May 23, 2007 the Canada Project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies hosted a half-day conference in Washington, D.C. on the topic of importation of Canadian drugs into the United States. The conference addressed cross-border issues such as price differences, safety, the role of the FDA, supply chain and internet pharmacies as well as the new legislation recently introduced to the Senate and the House of Representatives. Presenters at the conference outlined points of view both in favor of and against the importation of Canadian pharmaceuticals. 

The panels were comprised of speakers from interest groups on both sides of the border including the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, AARP, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America as well as expert researchers and legislators.

Panel 1: The Policy Perspective
Brett Skinner

Panel 2: The Canadian Perspective – Supply and Domestic Prices
Dr. Carolyn Bennett and Dawn Polley

Panel 3: The American Perspective – Securing Supply and Consumer Safety