Sandoz prepares early 2019 launch for EpiPen alternative Symjepi at 16% discount

Only days after Teva launched its generic to Mylan’s EpiPen, Novartis’ Sandoz has released launch plans for its own epinephrine injector product. Sandoz’s Symjepi won FDA approval in September, and on Thursday the company said it will launch in early 2019 at a slight discount to options from Mylan and Teva. 

While Teva opted not to release its medication with a list-price discount compared with Mylan’s authorized generic, Sandoz is going with a 16% discount.

Sandoz’s two-pack will hit the market with a list price of $250, while Teva and Mylan injectors cost $300 for a two-pack.

Sandoz is “well underway to ensure appropriate supply of this life-saving medicine for healthcare professionals and patients in need of a new treatment option,” according to a Thursday release

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Adamis Pharmaceuticals developed Symjepi and licensed U.S. rights to the epinephrine injector to Sandoz in July. The product won FDA approval in September. 

Thursday's news follows Teva’s generic EpiPen launch late last month. That drugmaker suffered two years of regulatory delays and finally won approval in August. 

Earlier in the EpiPen saga, Mylan faced criticism for routine price hikes that took branded EpiPen’s price to more than $600 for a two-pack. Amid the controversy, the company said it would release an authorized generic, which now costs $300 for a two-pack.

Due to new competition and new scrutiny on its big-selling injector, EpiPen sales fell $655 million last year, Mylan disclosed.