Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, ANTITRUST NEWS: Senator Klobuchar seeks hearing, investigation into price spike of emergency allergy medication, (Aug 22, 2016)

By E. Darius Sturmer, J.D.

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn), the ranking member of the Senate antitrust, competition policy, and consumer rights subcommittee, on August 20 asked the Senate Judiciary Committee and the FTC to investigate the enormous recent increase—"at least 400 percent"—in the price of "EpiPens." EpiPens are Epinephrine injection devices typically carried and used by those suffering from severe allergies for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. They are sold by Mylan Pharmaceutical in two-packs that were prescribed over 3.6 million times last year by U.S. doctors.

Klobuchar asserted that the EpiPen packs, which cost approximately $100 in 2009, are now sold by Mylan for $500. She noted that some patients have reportedly seen prices as high as $600. "This outrageous increase in the price of EpiPen is occurring at the same time that Mylan Pharmaceutical is exploiting a monopoly market advantage that has fallen into its lap," according to Klobuchar. The competing Auvi-Q made by Sanofi US was recalled from the market last fall, and Teva failed to receive approval for a generic version of the product this spring.

Klobuchar called for the Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing on the price increases and for the FTC to investigate and report to Congress within 90 days on why such "outrageous price increases have become common," with proposed solutions that would better protect consumers. She also urged Mylan to reduce prices.

Companies: Mylan N.V.

News: Antitrust FederalTradeCommissionNews