Reimportation of drugs into the U.S. is a major issue ("parallel
trade"). However, some portion of drugs imported into the U.S. are
produced in FDA-approved plants outside the the country, and
distribution channels to the U.S. are closely controlled and monitored
by the FDA.
Some examples: Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering medicine, is made in
Ireland; Nexium, the purple indigestion pill, is manufactured in
Sweden; and Prevacid, an ulcer medication, is produced in Japan.
My question is what percent of all drug imports are from FDA approved
offshore manufacturing? I would also like to know the percent for
branded vs. generics if available. |