RIPPLE

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to Financial Post (established source), Ecuador has imposed a 30% tariff on imports from Colombia, citing concerns over the drug trade along their shared border. This decision is likely to create a ripple effect on cross-border prescription drugs, as it may lead to increased costs and reduced availability of certain medications. The direct cause-effect relationship is that the tariffs will make Colombian pharmaceuticals more expensive for Ecuadorian consumers, which could result in decreased imports. Intermediate steps include the potential for Colombian pharmaceutical companies to reduce production or shift their exports to other countries, further exacerbating supply chain disruptions. The timing of these effects is uncertain, but they are likely to manifest in the short-term as importers adjust to the new tariffs and pharmaceutical companies adapt their business strategies. In the long term, this could lead to increased costs for Ecuadorian consumers and potentially even shortages of essential medications. **DOMAINS AFFECTED** * Healthcare * International Trade **EVIDENCE TYPE** * Official announcement (tariff imposition) **UNCERTAINTY** This decision may have unintended consequences on cross-border health issues, such as decreased access to life-saving medications for Ecuadorian patients. If pharmaceutical companies respond by reducing production or shifting exports, this could lead to shortages and increased costs for consumers. --- Source: [Financial Post](https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/ecuador-hits-colombia-with-30-tariffs-citing-drug-trade) (established source, credibility: 100/100)

**RIPPLE Comment** According to Financial Post (established source), Galderma has conducted a global survey of over 4,300 women across five continents to address the impact of menopause on skin health. The results reveal a significant knowledge gap among women regarding menopause-related skin changes. The causal chain is as follows: The survey and clinical trial inclusivity efforts by Galderma may lead to increased awareness and understanding of menopausal skin changes among healthcare professionals and patients. This, in turn, could influence the development and approval process for cross-border prescription drugs, particularly those targeting menopause-related symptoms. As a result, pharmaceutical companies may be more inclined to include women from diverse age groups and ethnicities in their clinical trials, ensuring that the efficacy and safety of these medications are well-represented. In the short-term (6-12 months), this could lead to improved prescribing practices among healthcare providers, as they become more informed about menopause-related skin changes. In the long-term (1-2 years), this increased awareness may drive policy changes, such as amendments to regulatory guidelines for clinical trial inclusivity and medication development. The domains affected by this news include: * Healthcare: Improved understanding of menopausal skin changes among healthcare professionals * Pharmaceuticals: Increased focus on inclusive clinical trials and cross-border prescription drugs targeting menopause-related symptoms The evidence type is a research study (global survey) and expert opinion (symposium on menopause-related skin changes). There are uncertainties surrounding the impact of Galderma's efforts on cross-border prescription drugs. If pharmaceutical companies prioritize inclusivity in their clinical trials, then we may see more effective treatments for menopausal symptoms being developed and approved. However, this depends on various factors, including regulatory frameworks and industry standards.