Ethan Lacey- Surge of EpiPen Prices

Epinephrine has saved the lives of millions from serious allergic reactions. This drug is more commonly known as the EpiPen, owned by Mylan, and it is in the midst of a huge price gauge scandal. Epinephrine itself only costs a few cents, but every year Mylan has been gauging the price of it ever since 2008. Once EpiPens costed $100 in 2008 and now it costs $500 and higher , that's a 400% increase. Mylan is a monopoly of the EpiPen, when its strongest competitor went out of business last year. Some people are covered by insurance, but many can not afford the drug. EpiPens also aren't an infrequent purchase of people that require them, since the drug expires around every year.  After the price spike gained the public eye, Mylan has responded by stating,"The prices have changed to better reflect important product features and the value the product provides." Customers have responded by saying the product has not changed and the product is indeed being spiked for profit.

This scandal is just another example of how corrupt the pharmaceutical industry is in the US. From Adviar, the asthma inhaler that's price was risen exponentially to Darapium,used by AIDS and cancer patients, which was raised from $13.50 to $750 almost overnight. . This type of thing has been happening for years. Pharmaceutical companies have shown that they care more about making more money than caring for millions of people. This situation is similar to the AT&T case in the 1980's. The case was handled by dividing AT&T into smaller companies for competition and i believe this is exactly what should happen to Mylan.  This situation is unjust and needs action from the government. 

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/economy/epipen-price-hike-has-parents-kids-allergies-scrambling-ahead-school-n633071