On Aug. 22, Sen. Chuck Grassley wrote to the manufacturer of the EpiPen, used for emergency treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions, seeking an explanation of the steep price increase in the product in recent years. Grassley’s letter came after Iowans expressed concern to him about the prices. Grassley then led a letter from five senators to the Food and Drug Administration, seeking details on whether alternatives to the EpiPen are in the works. He also was one of three senators who asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the effects of the price increases on public health care programs. The company has since announced expanded patient assistance programs and a generic version of the product.
Grassley asked for a written response from Mylan by Tuesday, Sept. 6. Today, the company asked for an extension to Thursday, Sept. 8. Grassley’s office agreed. Grassley made the following comment.
“I look forward to receiving the written response. Iowa parents asked me to get involved, and since I got involved, more Iowans have contacted me to express interest in what the company says, 465 Iowans so far. There’s a strong consumer interest in what’s behind the EpiPen cost increase. There’s also a strong taxpayer interest in seeing how much Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program are paying for EpiPens. Getting the information and answers is something I’ll continue to pursue on behalf of the people of Iowa.”
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