Public backlash, PR crisis continues despite cost concession for EpiPens

Communicators at Mylan Pharmaceuticals talk about reactions all the time—allergic reactions, that is.

On Thursday, CEO Heather Bresch found herself reacting to a glut of unrelenting criticism surrounding on price increases on the company’s EpiPens.

Reuters reported early Thursday:

Mylan said it would reduce the out-of-pocket cost of its severe allergy treatment EpiPen through a discount program, a day after Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton joined lawmakers in criticizing the drug’s high price. The company, which did not lower the drug’s list price, said it would reduce the patient cost of EpiPen through the use of a savings card, which will cover up to $300 of EpiPen 2-Pak.

In 2008, the auto-injector—used to counteract severe allergic reactions—cost about $100. Now, the price tag is roughly $600. Reuters said Mylan is also doubling the eligibility for its patient assistance program. The changes will eliminate out-of-pocket costs for uninsured and under-insured patients and families, the news agency reported.