In response to blistering criticism, Marathon Pharmaceuticals has delayed the launch of a decades-old drug that was approved last week and is supposed to cost $89,000. In a statement, Marathon chief executive Jeff Aronin said the company is “temporarily pausing” the launch “so we can fully engage with patients, caregivers and other stakeholders who have expressed concerns about access.”
The move comes just hours after two lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), sent a harshly worded letter, blasting Marathon for “unconscionable” pricing for the drug, which would be used to treat a rare form of muscular dystrophy. And beyond urging the drug maker to lower its $89,000 price, they demanded the company fork over a raft of information, including development expenses and profit projections.
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