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Adamis Pharmaceuticals produced a cheaper EpiPen alternative
STATES CHRONICLE – Mylan’s EpiPen, the emergency solution to treat allergies, is a bit expensive, making it difficult to afford it. Fortunately, the FDA approved a cheaper and more accessible alternative, which should become available for purchase this year. Symjepi is the medicine in question, produced by Adamis Pharmaceuticals.
Epinephrine injectors are vital for people with allergies
Symjepi resembles EpiPen, and is a syringe which allows people to inject epinephrine and save their own life if they are struggling with a severe allergic reaction. Epinephrine is a type of adrenaline which can combat the effects of anaphylaxis, namely reducing the swelling of blood vessels and reducing breathing difficulties.
Usually, people exhibit anaphylactic reactions after insect stings, latex, or after they consume certain foods or take certain medicine. Around 8 percent of American children have several types of food allergies, and around 38 percent of them suffer severe allergic reactions. Therefore, having an epinephrine syringe around is crucial for them.
A cheaper and easier to use alternative to the EpiPen
Therefore, Adamis decided to create an easier to use epinephrine injector. Moreover, Symjepi will be smaller, and easier to carry around. They haven’t set a specific price yet, but the company’s spokesperson declared they wanted to make it cheaper and more accessible than an EpiPen. Also, they want to create a ‘junior’ version of the pen, suitable for children, with a smaller amount of epinephrine.
The company came up with the idea after EpiPen prices started soaring. In 2007, the pen was available for only $94 but, without insurance, they come at prices between $630 and $700. After receiving intense criticism for rising the prices, the company released a generic and cheaper version, which is still quite expensive ($225-$425).
There prices are a bit exaggerate, since the manufacturing costs of a single pen are lower than $20. What makes everything harder is the fact that these pens need to be replaced every year. However, researchers found that they are good to use up to four years after the expiry date.
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