Amidst price criticism, Mylan to debut first generic of EpiPen in USA

In the face of a stream of criticism from the public and Congress over its exorbitant price hikes for the product, Mylan (Nasdaq: MYL) said it will launch the first generic to EpiPenAuto-Injector (epinephrine injection, USP) at a list price of $300 per generic EpiPen two-pack carton. This represents a discount of more than 50% to the Mylan list price, or wholesale acquisition cost (WAC), of the branded medicine.

The authorized generic will be identical to the branded product, including device functionality and drug formulation. Netherlands-incorporated Mylan expects to launch the product in the USA in several weeks, pending completion of labeling revisions. Upon launch, the product will be available as a two-pack carton in both 0.15mg and 0.30mg strengths. Mylan also intends to continue to market and distribute branded EpiPen.

Mylan chief executive Heather Bresch commented: "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. Our decision to launch a generic alternative to EpiPen is an extraordinary commercial response, which required the cooperation of our partner. However, because of the complexity and opaqueness of today's branded pharmaceutical supply chain and the increased shifting of costs to patients as a result of high deductible health plans, we determined that bypassing the brand system in this case and offering an additional alternative was the best option.”