The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has announced that it has given approval for a generic version of the EpiPen and EpiPen, Jr. auto-injector. The device is designed to administer life-saving epinephrine as an emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions. In making today’s announcement, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D stated, “Today’s approval of the first generic version of the most-widely prescribed epinephrine auto-injector in the U.S. is part of our longstanding commitment to advance access to lower cost, safe and effective generic alternatives once patents and other exclusivities no longer prevent approval…This approval means patients living with severe allergies who require constant access to life-saving epinephrine should have a lower-cost option, as well as another approved product to help protect against potential drug shortages.”
Read the full FDA press release here.