Novartis's Sandoz Launches EpiPen Generic -- Update
January 16 2019 - 8:02PM
Dow Jones News
(Adds details)
By Maria Armental
Swiss drug giant Novartis AG is launching a generic version of
Mylan NV's EpiPen, the emergency treatment for allergic reactions
that's been beleaguered by pricing and supply challenges.
The single-dose, pre-filled syringe is being marketed at $250
for a set of two.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. released its generic version
late last year for $300 for a twin pack, the same price as Mylan's
generic.
(www.wsj.com/articles/teva-releases-generic-epipen-in-limited-doses-in-the-u-s-1543336473)
Novartis's Sandoz generic-drug unit last year bought the U.S.
commercial rights for the emergency shot, Symjepi, from Adamis
Pharmaceuticals Corp.
(www.wsj.com/articles/novartis-injects-itself-into-planned-rollout-of-epipen-competitor-1530507301)
Sandoz started shipping the generic epinephrine "pen" to
hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices on Wednesday and plans to
make it available in pharmacies later. A company representative
declined to say when it would be available for sale to the public,
citing competitive reasons.
Symjepi, a small device that fits into the palm of a hand,
contains the same active ingredient as EpiPen, epinephrine, though
it isn't an exact copy of EpiPen.
It will be first marketed as a 0.3 mg injection for people who
weigh at least 66 pounds and are determined to be at a higher risk
for anaphylaxis.
The companies are working to launch a 0.15 mg injection to treat
patients who weigh 33 to 65 pounds. A company representative
declined to comment when that version would be available.
Mylan was harshly criticized for raising the list price for a
two-pack EpiPen to more than $600, from less than $100 since it
began selling the drug in late 2007, according to data from Truven
Health Analytics.
Write to Maria Armental at maria.armental@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
January 16, 2019 19:47 ET (00:47 GMT)
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