Bilirakis’ Efforts Pave the Way for Cheaper EpiPen

Washington, DC:  Congressman Gus Bilirakis has been working to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for several years.  He successfully authored multiple provisions within H.R. 2430, which was signed into law last August.  One of his provisions created an expedited approval process for generic drugs when no competitor exists on the market.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last week that it had approved the first generic drug through this new process.  The second Bilirakis provision reformed the FDA Office of Combination Products as a result of this exchange with FDA officials. This office manages the approval of Complex drug-device combination products (e.g., auto-injectors, metered dose inhalers).   The EpiPen, a life-saving drug  for millions of Americans, is an example of a combination product.  The company that manufacturers the EpiPen, Mylan Pharmaceuticals raised the cost of the EpiPen by 400%, making it unaffordable for many families. Traditionally, there has not been a generic version of the EpiPen available on the market.  However, thanks to the reforms championed by Bilirakis, the FDA just announced that it has approved the first generic version of the EpiPen, used to treat allergic reactions.

“Too often we have seen the price of lifesaving medication skyrocket due to bad actors taking advantage of monopolies in the market.  The dramatic spike in cost for medications, like the EpiPen, prompted me to push for these critical reforms.  Sick people should never be held hostage so a pharmaceutical company can increase its’ profits.  I am thrilled that my legislative efforts are already translating into lower costs for patients and look forward to seeing the reduction of cost for many more Rx drugs,” said Congressman Bilirakis.