In Mylan’s latest move to quell outrage over its price increases, the maker of the EpiPen has resorted to introducing a generic version of its own product.
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The drugmaker says it will launch in several weeks a generic EpiPen version that is identical to the branded option but will have a list price of $300 for a two-pack.
The senators said in a letter to the CEO of pharmaceutical company that makes the devices, Mylan N.V., that price hikes of more than 500 percent have jeopardized access to emergency allergy shots for many Americans.
Last week, Mylan offered more financial aid to patients getting EpiPens, including coupon cards covering up to $300 off patient copayments, triple the $100 discounts previously offered.
Coupon cards are a standard pharmaceutical industry strategy, one that leaves employers and taxpayers still footing at least two-thirds of a big bill – and everyone facing higher insurance premiums eventually.
Bresch defended the price increases last week, saying the company only received $274 of the total price for a twin-package while insurers, pharmacies and other parties divvy up the rest. Meanwhile, a generic for the pricey EpiPen could be coming out as soon as next year.
Recent measures by Mylan to appease consumer and activist concerns about the rising price of their allergic reaction treatment EpiPen do not go far enough, 20 USA senators wrote in a letter sent to the company on Tuesday.
However, the compounding pharmacy Imprimis Pharmaceuticals said it may have a version available for individual patients in a few months. A chorus of politicians, consumer groups and parents has been calling for hearings and investigations of EpiPen pricing, along with action by the Food and Drug Administration to speed approvals of rival products.
Mylan said measures announced last week, including a $300 savings card, remain in place.
How much people pay for EpiPens varies with insurance coverage.
Mylan said that a year ago almost 80 percent of its patients with commercial insurance paid nothing out of pocket for an EpiPen prescription because of its savings card. Now, the company is being accused of price gouging after significantly increasing the EpiPen price in recent years.
Health insurance doesn’t necessarily help all people who need EpiPens, because those with high deductibles must pay nearly the total price.
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Shares of Mylan NV slipped 34 cents to $42.69 in morning trading Monday, while broader indexes rose slightly.
