Online drug companies are withholding a formal endorsement of President Clinton's plan to regulate their high-flying industry, but concede they could gain from the strategy. While executives said they are worried that Clinton's proposal might duplicate state regulations, they said it could curb rogue Web sites which illegally sell drugs without a prescription. These companies all require patients to have a prescription before they fill any orders. Men too embarrassed to ask a doctor to prescribe Viagra to treat their impotence or Propecia to treat their hair loss have flocked to these rogue sites.
Critics worry no one is making sure consumers are protected.
The regulation of drug sales is largely the province of state government, which license doctors and pharmacists. But critics say state efforts have lagged, in part because Internet companies operate in multiple states. Give the FDA new power to subpoena the records of online sites while investigating these operators. The White House also plans a public education campaign to advise consumers on how to order drugs safely over the Internet. He said he wants to see more details of Clinton's plan, particularly how it would give added powers to subpoena information from the businesses.