California Company To Sell Low-Cost Version Of Drug Hiked By Martin Shkreli

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A drug company will begin selling a low-cost version of Daraprim, a life-saving drug at the center of a firestorm over the practices of some pharmaceutical companies after it was acquired and its new owner increased the price more than 5,000 percent.

Imprimis Pharmaceuticals will supply capsules containing the two active ingredients in Daraprim, pyrimethamine and leucovorin, for as little as $99 for a bottle of 100 capsules. The company makes custom drugs for individual patients.

Daraprim, a 62-year old drug, is the only approved treatment for a life-threatening parasitic infection. Former hedge fund manager Martin Shkreli's Turing Pharmaceuticals acquired the rights to the drug and jacked up the price from $13.50 to $750 per pill overnight.

Imprimis will work with insurers and others to make its capsules widely available.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.