New York Attorney General Launches Investigation Into EpiPen Maker
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is investigating the maker of EpiPens following a major outcry over the recent price surge of the potentially life-saving allergy medication.
The attorney general's office found that Mylan Pharmaceuticals may have added "potentially anti-competitive terms" into its contracts with several local school systems, Schneiderman said.
"No child's life should be put at risk because a parent, school, or healthcare provider cannot afford a simple, life-saving device because of a drug-maker's anti-competitive practices," Schneiderman said in a statement. "If Mylan engaged in anti-competitive business practices, or violated antitrust laws with the intent and effect of limiting lower cost competition, we will hold them accountable. Allergy sufferers have enough concerns to worry about—the availability of life-saving medical treatment should not be one of them. I will bring the full resources of my office to this critical investigation."
Late last month, Mylan said it will make available a generic version of its EpiPen in the wake of criticism over the price of its injectable medicine. The company said the generic version will have a list price of $300 for a two-pack.
The company charges $608 for a two-pack of the branded EpiPen, which cost about $94 just nine years ago. Mylan said it will keep in place a $300 savings card for the branded EpiPen and patient assistance programs.
Mylan said more than 700,000 free EpiPens have been distributed to more than 65,000 schools, and it has dropped a previous purchase restriction for schools that wanted more at discounts.
The EpiPen is filled with epinephrine, and is used in emergencies to treat severe allergic reactions to insect bites and foods like nuts that can lead to anaphylactic shock.
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