EpiPen: Hillary Clinton bends Mylan on the cost of treatment

At the heart of the Democratic campaign, the price of drugs is a delicate subject in the United States. The pharmaceutical group Mylan has obviously not learned from the mistakes of its predecessors. The announcement, on July 6, of an increase in the price of the EpiPen caused a lively controversy in the country. It must be said that at a rate of 600 dollars (531 euros) for an injectable epinephrine pen, many patients may have to do without it. Without going back on its position, the laboratory conceded a few inches of ground: on August 25, measures to help allergic patients were put in place.

Hillary Clinton’s Wrath

Mylan, known for its production of generics, bought the EpiPen in 2007. This epinephrine injector pen is particularly valuable for allergy sufferers: it helps prevent anaphylactic shock. Market leader, the product has yet experienced a first increase. In 2008, its cost rose to 100 dollars (89 euros). On July 6, the American branch of the group decided to multiply by six this price. In a country where not everyone has access to private health insurance, this announcement is far from welcome.

The Democratic presidential candidate weighed heavily in the debate. Taking up the claims of her colleagues in Congress, Hillary Clinton called the laboratory to account. The price of medicines is one of the central subjects of his campaign (see box). It is therefore no surprise that the former Secretary of State invited Mylan to review its position, by lowering the cost of the EpiPen. She considered the behavior of the laboratory “insulting” which presents, in her eyes, “a new disturbing example of a company taking advantage of its customers”.

EpiPens can be the difference between life and death. There’s no justification for these price hikes. https://t.co/O6RbVR6Qim -H

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 24, 2016

A mea culpa in the rules

Mylan has, it seems, listened carefully to public opinion. On August 25, the laboratory made a gesture towards patients not covered by health insurance. At the heart of its strategy: a loyalty program that saves 300 dollars – or 266 euros – for patients who buy the EpiPen. The criteria for access to treatment are also relaxed for people who are not insured.

The announcement was accompanied by a mea culpa in the rules from Heather Bresch, general manager of the company. “We are aware of the significant burden of the continuous increases in insurance costs for patients and the need to pay for all drugs at the pharmacy,” she says. in a press release. Patients deserve transparency about rising prices and affordable care,” she adds. The leader nevertheless explained in the American media that her group had spent millions of dollars improving the injector pen since its acquisition… without going into details.

The news still seems to have appeased the Democratic Party, which welcomed this gesture while regretting that Mylan did not concede more by lowering the base price.