As EpiPen prices soar, Sen. Paul hopes bill creates more competition, cheaper prices for generics
by Kevin Wheatley
09/09/2016
LOUISVILLE — While he may have to tangle with one of the world’s largest drugmakers to get legislation aimed at getting more generic versions of the EpiPen in the marketplace, Sen. Rand Paul said Friday that he hopes others in the pharmaceutical industry will see opportunity.
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During a roundtable discussion with medical professionals at Jewish Hospital’s Rudd Heart and Lung Center, Paul said that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made it difficult to introduce generic versions of the EpiPen, which injects epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions, in the U.S.
What’s more, Paul said Mylan virtually holds a monopoly on the device until 2025, when its patent is set to expire. In 2009, Mylan filed a patent infringement lawsuit another drugmaker, Teva Pharmaceuticals, that was planning a generic version of the EpiPen.
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Paul plans to file a bill that would make it easier to approve generic versions of the EpiPen that are already available in Europe, saying more competition would lower prices of the life-saving drug.
“What we’re hoping to do with our bill is to bring those drugs over here, have the committee at the FDA look at the studies, and then vote on whether to approve them,” Kentucky’s junior senator told reporters after the meeting.
Paul’s bill could be in the crosshairs of Pfizer, one of the globe’s largest drug companies that actually manufactures in the epinephrine used in EpiPens.
Asked about potential backlash on Capitol Hill from pharmaceutical companies, Paul said those that make generic EpiPens in Europe will likely back his proposal.
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