Pharma firm Mylan boosts support for Epipen after US pricing backlash
US drugmaker Mylan has promised to make its emergency allergy drug Epipen more affordable after criticism over price hikes.
The cost of a standard two-pack of Epipens has risen to around $600 (£455) from $100 in 2009.
The on-going debate in the US over drug pricing focused on Mylan this week after US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton and a senator whose daughter uses the product both criticised the company.
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Mylan yesterday responded to the backlash saying it would provide instant savings cards worth $300 to patients without insurance who have to pay full price for the drug – a 50 per cent price cut.
“Patients deserve increased price transparency and affordable care, particularly as the system shifts significant costs to them,” said Mylan chief executive Heather Bresch.
“However, price is only one part of the problem that we are addressing with today’s actions. All involved must also take steps to help meaningfully address the US healthcare crisis, and we are committed to do our part to drive change in collaboration with policymakers, payors, patients and healthcare professionals.”
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Shares in the US pharma firm are down over 10 per cent so far this month due to the raging US drug pricing debate.