Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
How Unbranded Ad Campaigns Helped EpiPen Maker Skirt Regulations
Stat: Behind The Stealth Ad Campaigns For The EpiPen And Other Drugs
Mylan Pharmaceuticals has spent millions this year on television ads and celebrity testimonials that implicitly promote the EpiPen — without ever mentioning it by name. ... Welcome to the world of unbranded ads, a stealthy and lightly regulated form of drug marketing focused on educating the public about a health condition — which the pharma company just happens to sell a product to treat. The ads aren’t required to disclose side effects. Instead, they often direct patients to a website about the disease. Click on a few links and you’ll likely land on a page promoting the branded treatment. (Robbins, 8/29)
CNN Money: EpiPen Outrage May Fuel Cheap Generic In 2017
A generic alternative for the lifesaving allergy treatment is being developed by Teva Pharmaceuticals (TEVA). The company has indicated the generic treatment may arrive as early as next year, creating a cheaper alternative to EpiPen, which has cornered an estimated 94% of the market.In fact, some Wall Street analysts believe the national outcry over the 400% increase in EpiPen prices may ultimately speed up the FDA approval process for an affordable replacement. (Egan, 8/26)
