Page 105 - Case Lab Case Analysis
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“Epinephrine itself is not an expensive drug, [epipens deliver about $1
worth of drug, 0.3 mg of epinephrine, on each use] and it can be
administered via syringe. But there are concerns that loading and
injecting the correct dose can not only take more time in an emergency
situation, but can also be potentially dangerous if administered
incorrectly. EpiPens are seen as a safe delivery method as they are pre-
loaded with a regulated amount of the drug.” Source: Mylan
It is this precise measurement that the EpiPen provides which is patent
protected.
Before the price hikes broke, prescriptions for EpiPens had been
steadily increasing since 2013 - peaking every year in August, when
parents of children with severe allergies typically stocked up on the life-
saving devices for use in schools.
