PSM Applauds Ruling Overturning Maine Prescription Drug Importation

Washington, D.C. (February 26, 2015) – Dr. Marv Shepherd, President of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, released the following statement after a federal judge overturned Maine’s dangerous prescription drug importation law:

“The easiest way for dangerous and potentially deadly counterfeit medicines to infiltrate our secure supply chain is when they are purchased from illegal and unregulated overseas online pharmacies. While the state of Maine may have had good intentions, the reality is the law puts patients’ health at risk, as the FDA and the State of Maine cannot guarantee the safety of any medicines that are bought outside the U.S. PSM agrees with the U.S. District Court that the State of Maine has no authority to regulate pharmacies located outside the U.S.

“Importation is simply bad policy. The FDA and the U.S. government have worked hard to make the U.S. the most secure drug supply chain in the world, and we can’t afford to jeopardize that, especially since 97 percent of all online pharmacies do not meet U.S. standards. PSM applauds the court’s decision, and reminds patients that they can choose from a wide variety of legitimate, VIPPS certified and state licensed online pharmacies to purchase discounted prescription medicines.”