Byron Dorgan: “Let me make some comments on safety. One-quarter of the prescription drugs taken in this country are produced outside…”

“Let me make some comments on safety. One-quarter of the prescription drugs taken in this country are produced outside this country in foreign manufacturing plants. In the last 5 years, the FDA has inspected more than 850 foreign drug factories in 41 different countries. The drug industry wants to take advantage of the global economy to manufacture their drugs in lower cost countries, but they do not want a licensed U.S. pharmacist and drug wholesalers to be able to take advantage of the global economy to get the best price for the American consumer. Let me say that again. The pharmaceutical industry wants to take advantage of the global economy for the purpose of their manufacture and profitability, but they do not want a licensed U.S. pharmacist or licensed wholesaler to be able to access those same drugs from a licensed wholesaler or pharmacist in another country in order to pass along lower prices to the American consumer. I do not think that is right.”