Amid Criticism, Mylan Launching Generic $300 Version Of EpiPen
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Mylan says it will make available a generic version of its EpiPen, as criticism continued to mount over the price of its injectable medicine.
The company said Monday that its U.S. subsidiary will put out a generic version of the EpiPen that will have a list price of $300 for a two-pack. It will be available in both 0.15 mg and 0.30 mg strengths.
In a statement, Mylan CEO Heather Bresch said the company understands "the deep frustration and concerns associated with the cost of EpiPen® to the patient."
"Our decision to launch a generic alternative to EpiPen® is an extraordinary commercial response, which required the cooperation of our partner. However, 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 said. "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."
The company charges $608 for a two-pack of the branded EpiPen. Mylan said it will keep in place the $300 savings card for the branded EpiPen and the revised patient assistance program announced last week.
Myland N.V. said that it anticipates having the generic versions available in the next several weeks. It will continue to market and distribute branded EpiPen.
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