WASHINGTON, DC – Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) today issued the following statement after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has approved the first generic version of the EpiPen, used to treat allergic reactions.

“We commend the FDA for working to introduce a generic competitor for EpiPen into the market. Patients are tired of the sharp increases in prices for drugs and devices. H.R. 2430, the FDA Reauthorization Act (FDARA), legislation put forth by this committee which is now law, helped give FDA the resources they need to combat those price hikes by bringing competition into the market and empowering patients with choice. For families across the country, the EpiPen is a lifesaving drug, but it comes at a cost. This generic alternative is a welcome move. We look forward to continuing to work with FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb to put patients first.”

Background:

H.R. 2430 was signed into law last August. Just last week, the FDA announced they had approved the first generic drug under a new authority provided under H.R. 2430 – boosting market competition.

To learn more about H.R. 2430, click here.

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