In the face of withering criticism, Mylan Pharmaceuticals took steps Thursday to make its EpiPen device more affordable. Specifically, the company is increasing the amount of money on a copay assistance card from $100 to $300, and is also widening eligibility for patients to receive the device through that assistance program.
“We recognize the significant burden on patients from continued, rising insurance premiums and being forced increasingly to pay the full list price for medicines at the pharmacy counter. Patients deserve increased price transparency and affordable care, particularly as the system shifts significant costs to them,” Mylan Chief Executive officer Heather Bresch said in a statement.
These moves do not actually involve lowering the $600 list price, which has been rising steadily in recent years and caused consternation among parents across the country. The EpiPen contains an old drug, epinephrine, that is widely used to combat sudden allergic reactions that can be life-threatening, and its dominant position in the marketplace meant that many consumers were straining to pay for the device.
About the Author Reprints
