LONDON, Aug 29 (APM) - Mylan plans to launch a cheaper generic version of its EpiPen injection for allergic reactions after coming under fire for dramatic increases in the price of the branded drug, it was announced on Monday.
Mylan said in a statement that it intends to launch the generic product in "several weeks" at a list price of $300 for a two-pack carton in both 0.15 mg and 0.30 mg strengths.
This is half the price of the $600 top price tag for a two-pack of the branded EpiPen, which has climbed more than 400% in the past decade from a around $100 in 2008.
This rapid price increase - over a time period when Mylan's chief executive Heather Bresch has seen a pay rise of 671% - has led to heavy criticism of the company, including comments from U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who described Mylan's tactics as "outrageous" (APMMA 49284).
Sex and the City actress Sarah Jessica Parker - who endorsed the EpiPen due to her son's peanut allergy - also ended her relationship with the company (APMMA 49306).
Mylan has taken action following the media outcry, including the announcement last week that it has introduced new ways to reduce the personal cost of the branded EpiPen Auto-Injector, including a savings card which will cover up to $300 for an EpiPen 2-Pak. This will be available for patients in health plans who face higher out-of-pocket costs.
The company said is also doubling eligibility for its patient assistance programme for the product.
The launch of a generic version of an EpiPen product adds to these efforts, and should see a more affordable product available in the U.S., although still at a significantly higher price than 10 years ago. Mylan also intends to continue to market and distribute the branded EpiPen.
In Mylan's announcement, Bresch said: "We understand the deep frustration and concerns associated with the cost of EpiPen to the patient, and have always shared the public's desire to ensure that this important product be accessible to anyone who needs it. Our decision to launch a generic alternative to EpiPen is an extraordinary commercial response, which required the cooperation of our partner.
"Because of the complexity and opaqueness of today's branded pharmaceutical supply chain and the increased shifting of costs to patients as a result of high deductible health plans, we determined that bypassing the brand system in this case and offering an additional alternative was the best option."
She added: "The launch of a generic EpiPen, which follows the steps we took last week on the brand to immediately reduce patients' out-of-pocket costs, will offer a long-term solution to further reduce costs and ease the burden and complexity of the process on the patient."
/tm/clg
TRY APM Market Access AND GET ACCESS TO THE FULL CONTENT
Interviews with KOLs/senior executives amongst the Regulators, Payers, Health, Medical & Pharmaceutical organisations
Events coverage with a unique focus on Market Access & sustainability of healthcare systems
6 European bureaus : Berlin, Brussels, London, Madrid, Milan & Paris
Ask for a Free trial and get access to the latest stories
Our coverage includes:
- Health Care
- Market Access
- HTA – policies & practices
- European medicine regulations
- Drug safety issues
- Pricing & Reimbursement
- International medicines agencies
If you are a Payer, Pharmaceutical or Consulting professional our premium data will keep you informed on the regulatory, pricing, market access and cost-effectiveness issues that impact all stakeholders.
REQUEST
an initial 10 day temporary access of APM Market Access.
