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.