U.S. legislators push to legalize imports of cheaper drugs from Canada

WASHINGTON (CP) - A bipartisan group of U.S. legislators is mounting another big push to legalize imports of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada. One of the backers, Senator Byron Dorgan, estimates Americans could save about US$50 billion over the next 10 years if the measure is passed.

Americans pay the highest prescription drug costs in the world. Officials say Canadian brand-name drugs are up to 55 per cent cheaper than they are in the United States.

Pharmaceutical companies and the Bush administration oppose the move.

Some Canadian groups are not happy about it either.

They fear drug shortages in Canada if the bill goes through and are urging Ottawa to cut off exports.

© The Canadian Press, 2007