In an effort to reduce prescription drug costs, some Americans are importing their medicines from other countries and some state and local governments are encouraging the practice. Importation is largely the result of frustration, especially among seniors, that people without drug coverage cannot afford the medicine they need and that those without coverage pay more for many medicines than patients in some foreign countries.

Merck opposes drug importation and supports current U.S. law that makes the practice illegal. Merck believes that drug importation would compromise public trust in the manufacture and distribution of our high-quality medicines. The FDA has intercepted counterfeit or adulterated medicines on their way to the United States. This is a serious matter both to patients who rely on the safety of their medicines and to companies that invest significantly to ensure the consistent quality and safety of their medicines. A 2004 report by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department characterizes current importation as dangerous.

Widespread importation practices would also reduce the incentives necessary to ensure continued investment in the high-risk research and development that leads to new medicines. When importing drugs from other countries, we are importing their price controls as well. These practices often artificially lower prices below a level that represents their value in treating and preventing disease. Where this occurs, it reduces the incentives for research into and the development of breakthrough medicines. According to the 2004 HHS report, importation would harm pharmaceutical innovation, reducing the number of new medicines by an estimated four to 18 drugs over a decade.

Importation is a response to the access barriers that arise from a lack of prescription drug coverage. The answer is not to allow importation but, instead, to expand access. Merck provides safe and affordable alternatives to importation that will assist patients without drug coverage in obtaining their medicines. For 50 years, the Merck Patient Assistance Program has provided free Merck medicines to millions of Americans with no prescription drug coverage. Recognizing that a large percentage of those without prescription drug coverage are seniors, Merck supported the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Merck also offers discounts on our medicines through the Merck Prescription Discount Program for the Uninsured. There is no need for any American to accept the risks associated with importation in order to receive a Merck medicine.

For more information on how Merck helps patients get the Merck medicines they need, including the Merck's Patient Assistance Program and the Merck Drug Discount Program for the Uninsured:

Merck's Patient Assistance Program: www.merck.com/pap/pap/consumer or call a toll-free number for patients, 1-800-727-5400

Merck Prescription Discount Program for the Uninsured: www.merckuninsured.com or call a toll-free number for patients 1-800-50 MERCK (1-800-506-3725)