Mylan Launches First Generic EpiPen Amid Pricing Pressure

Mylan has just announced that it will launch the first generic EpiPen auto-injector at a price of $300 per generic epinephrine 2-pack carton in both 0.15 mg and 0.30 mg strengths. This amounts to a greater than 50% discount to the wholesale acquisition cost of the brand-name product.

The authorized generic will be identical to the brand-name product, including device functionality and drug formulation. Mylan expects to launch the product in several weeks, pending completion of labeling revisions.

The company also intends to continue to market and distribute brand-name EpiPen.

“We understand the deep frustration and concerns associated with the cost of EpiPen to the patient, and have always shared the public’s desire to ensure that this important product be accessible to anyone who needs it,” Mylan CEO Heather Bresch stated in a press release. “Generic drugs have a long, proven track record of delivering significant savings to both patients and the overall health care system. The launch of a generic EpiPen…will offer a long-term solution to further reduce costs and ease the burden and complexity of the process on the patient.”

This generic launch follows the augmented patient assistance program and $300 savings card for the brand-name version that Mylan put in place last week. The company intends to initiate a direct ship program in conjunction with the launch of the generic at the $300 list price. It also continues to fight for enhanced access to epinephrine auto-injectors through other measures, such as inclusion of the product on the federal and private insurance preventive drug lists, which could potentially eliminate all co-pays.

Mylan's actions come amid public outcry over brand-name EpiPen's high cost. Today, the price is about $600 for a 2-pack carton, compared with $100 in 2008.

Mylan is the latest manufacturer to get caught up in growing public criticism of drug price hikes, following Valeant and Turing Pharmaceuticals.