Mylan Advocates for EpiPen to be Approved as a Preventive Medication

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Mylan, the maker of the EpiPen, which recently raised costs significantly, causing an outrage among many, is now attempting to push the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) into including EpiPens on their list of preventive medical services. While this would seem like a move in the right direction for patients (if EpiPens were approved it would result in a $0 copay), the payor (health plans, unions, employer groups, etc) would likely disagree. The reason for this? Having EpiPens on the USPSTF’s list of preventive medical services would allow the drug maker to continue to raise prices, with those costs landing in the laps of insurers or payors.

Along with patients who rely on EpiPens, Mylan would be amongst those who reap the benefits of having the medication on the preventive medical services list. This is because raising their prices would no longer result in a public outcry once patients become eligible to receive the treatment without a copay. However, it is important to keep in mind that costs could later be passed back on to consumers and patients in terms of higher premiums or higher co-pays for different drugs, according to an article in the New York Times.

Predictions About Approval

Ultimately, the decision to include EpiPens on the list of preventive drugs lies in the hands of physicians and public health experts who have been federally appointed to the United States Preventive Services Task Force. Although it can be argued that using an EpiPen can prevent a reaction that can go so far as being fatal if taken at the right time, a potential setback is that currently, there are no prescription medications for diagnosed illnesses on the USPSTF’s list of preventive medical services.

For more details surrounding Mylan’s latest efforts, check out the full story in The New York Times here.

As experts in the pharmaceutical industry, we at PBIRx are very familiar with the current situation surrounding EpiPens and are constantly reading and researching to stay on top of the latest news. If you have questions, please connect with us on social media so that we can further discuss. For additional information, contact us at (888) 797-2479.