State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has launched an antitrust investigation into Mylan Pharmaceuticals -- the maker of EpiPen.

Schneiderman says a preliminary review by his office show Mylan may have inserted potentially anticompetitive terms into its EpIpen sales contracts with numerous local school districts.

He says if Mylan engaged in anti-competitive business practices or violated antitrust laws with the intent of limiting lower cost competition, they will be held accountable.

“No child’s life should be put at risk because a parent, school, or healthcare provider cannot afford a simple, life-saving device because of a drug-maker’s anti-competitive practices,” Schneiderman said.

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi had called for an investigation into the steep price increase of EpiPens.

Brindisi released the following statement:

“I am pleased that Attorney General Schneiderman has started to investigate Mylan Pharmaceuticals for possible anti-competitive practices here in New York related to the pricing of its EpiPen, used to treat severe allergic reactions.  I have heard from many people over the last several weeks affected personally by the huge increase in the price of a product essential to thousands of New Yorkers who can suffer from life-threatening allergic reactions.  This prompted me to write to Attorney General Schneiderman, and the State Health Commissioner to find out what could be done to help allergy patients who need this device. Mylan has been charging over $600 for a two-pack of EpiPens that cost less than $100 just several years ago. Unfortunately, many people’s insurance has not been covering the full cost of this product, and many families are paying $300 or more for the device.  The measures Mylan has offered to reduce the cost of its product in recent days are simply not enough, and I am pleased that our Attorney General has stated he will make Mylan accountable if it engaged in anti-competitive practices that have allowed it to charge prices many working families can simply not afford.”

 

Drew Angerer, Getty Images
Drew Angerer, Getty Images
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