Drugmaker to sell cheaper generic rival to EpiPen injectors

Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J.

Generic drugmaker Sandoz announced plans Thursday to start selling a slightly cheaper version of the EpiPen in the U.S. early next year.

The penlike injectors are used to halt life-threatening allergic reactions to insect bites, nuts and other foods.

Brand-name EpiPen, which dominates the market, has been in short supply since spring because of production problems.

Sandoz will sell a pair of injectors, under the name Symjepi, for $250 without insurance. Two other generics on the market in the U.S. cost $300 a pair, including one from EpiPen seller Mylan. The company started selling its own generic after it was blasted for repeated hikes that pushed up its list price from $94 to $608 for a pair of brand-name EpiPens.

What people pay varies, though, depending on insurance, discounts and the pharmacy.