Letter to Heather Bresch, Chief Executive Officer, Mylan Inc - Epipen Costs

Letter

Dear Ms. Bresch,

I write regarding alarming reports about the price of your epinephrine-filled devices, EpiPen and EpiPen Jr., which have skyrocketed in recent years. According to various news accounts, the price of EpiPen has increased 400% since 2007. A two-dose pack now costs an average of $400, a shocking difference in price from just nine years ago when it was $60.

Such a dramatic increase in the cost of live-saving medication is of tremendous concern. While a variety of allergies result in the prescription of EpiPens, as you are well aware, food allergies, which often require immediate medical intervention, affect an estimated 15 million Americans, including one in every 13 children.

That is why in 2013 Congress passed the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, which incentivized states to encourage public elementary and secondary schools to maintain a supply of epinephrine and permit trained personnel to administer it.

Access to EpiPens remains as critical now as ever. According to my constituents, if the price of EpiPen continues to rise, medical personal, school officials, and family members could be forced to use cheaper options, such as manual syringes, which are more complicated to administer and less effective. We could face a situation in which millions of families and schools simply cannot afford to keep the device on hand, which would be catastrophic.

Particularly ahead of a new school year, I urge you to take immediate steps to lower the cost of critically-needed EpiPens, which are essential for the health and well-being of millions of children and adults.

Sincerely,

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