Why EpiPens are so much cheaper in Europe

While a two-pack of EpiPens has a list price of $608 in the U.S., Mylan sells a similar set of epinephrine auto-injectors in Britain for just $69, according to Bloomberg.

As Mylan raised EpiPen prices and boosted gross profit margins in the U.S., causing large backlash from consumers, politicians and the media, the drugmaker was actually cutting prices in the U.K. Britain is not alone in these low prices — a two-pack of EpiPens goes for $100 in France and just over $200 in Germany according to the report.

The main reason for these price differences stems from the way drugs are priced in the two countries. In Britain, the government and drug industry agree to a limit on the health service's spending that requires drug companies to repay any amount that surpasses the fixed maximum, according to the report.

Many critics of the U.S.'s drug pricing system point to Europe's more affordable treatments as proof that EpiPens can still be profitable at lower prices.

"Each market has its unique considerations that may impact costs," said Mylan spokeswoman Julie Knell in an emailed response to Bloomberg.

More articles on supply chain:

Supply chain tip of the week: Organizing your value analysis program – less is more
CMS warned Mylan about EpiPen rebate issues multiple times
Why patient advocacy groups are silent about high drug prices

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