Trade
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States are increasingly well-informed of the potential restrictive impacts of federal trade policy and treaties on state prescription drug purchasing practices, including preferred drug lists and importation. The pharmaceutical industry has moved aggressively to put its stamp on international trade agreements that would encourage federal preemption of state innovation and also delay the introduction of less expensive generic drugs. Through the NLARx Working Group on Prescription Drugs and Trade, state legislators, Medicaid experts, and representatives of state attorneys general have directly engaged with the U.S. Trade Representative through meetings and exchanges of correspondence. NLARx has made educational presentations on trade policy related to prescription drugs to state legislative committees, members of Congress, and National Conference of State Legislatures committees. NLARx has also supported establishing institutional mechanisms within the states to provide ongoing oversight of trade policy related to medicines. States including California, Maine, Vermont and Washington have created such advisory commissions or legislative oversight committees. Researching this Issue Model laws and resolutions, testimony supporting these initiatives, and background information and research materials on trade and pharmaceutical policy, including reports and news articles, are posted here. Other relevant materials may be found on the related issue page on Importation policy. The Pharma Watch page details drug industry tactics including trade-related activities. See also the Related Links below to connect to other organizations and materials relevant to this issue, particularly the Forum on Democracy & Trade, which has very detailed information on pharmaceutical industry-related trade policy and trade issues generally, including up to date information on the status of various trade negotiations and treaties. The Forum works closely with NLARx and jointly coordinates the Working Group on Prescription Drugs and Trade. In collaboration with the Forum on Democracy and Trade, NLARx has convened a Working Group on Prescription Drugs & Trade comprised of state legislators, trade and Medicaid experts, and representatives of state attorneys general.
This group secured the first-ever meeting between state legislators and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) negotiators, and is currently seeking representation on USTR advisory committees with jurisdiction over pharmaceutical policy. The Working Groups holds informational meetings for policy makers on emerging trade issues related to pharmaceuticals, and assists states in engaging with the U.S. Trade Representative directly through meetings and correspondence.
The Working Group has helped states establish their own institutional mechanisms both to provide ongoing oversight over trade policy, and to educate their citizenry and policy makers about the connection between international trade policy and affordable prescription drugs. Participation in the Working Group is by invitation. If you are interested, please contact Sharon Treat. Related
Links
Center for Policy Analysis on Trade and Health
CP Tech: Compulsory licensing and trade policy |
Issue Quick Links
Model Legislation Mar 01, 2006 California Trade Resolution on Pharmaceutical Policy | >>moreJun 08, 2005 Model Trade Resolution | >>moreTestimony Feb 15, 2006 Before the US House Ways & Means Committee on US Trade Agreements | >>moreRelated News Apr 25, 2008 Berne Declaration NGOs strongly ask the Swiss Government to stop its attacks against access to medicines in Thailand and to meet its commitments | >>moreMar 26, 2008 Alternet A Question of Values - Drug Patent Laws Must Have Public Health Exceptions | >>moreReports Apr 24, 2007 Analysis of Korea and Australia FTA Prescription Drug Provisions | >>moreNov 01, 2006 American Public Health Association Positions on Trade & Health | >>moreOct 17, 2006 Congressional Report on Trade Agreements & Access to Medications | >>more |
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