Adamis has not set US price for newly approved rival to Mylan's $600 EpiPen

The US FDA has approved Symjepi, a rival to Mylan’s emergency anaphylaxis treatment EpiPen made by Adamis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

San Diego, US-based Adamis announced the decision last week, explaining its product has been cleared for the same indications as the Mylan drug, namely acute anaphylactic reactions as well as idiopathic or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

Last year, Mylan was the subject of intense criticism over the price it charges for its EpiPen products.

US politicians asked the Netherlands-domiciled firm to justify the products’ $600 (€535) price tag, accusing it of profiteering at the cost of access.

The House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce also called on industry to develop generic alternatives.

Various media reports in the US suggest Symjepi will cost between $225 and $425.

An Adamis spokesman told us "Pricing is on everyone's mind as it should be given all of the pricing controversy around the EpiPen. Pricing for Symjepi hasn't been determined yet as that will be set around the time of the launch."

He added that "Adamis does intend to position this product as the low cost alternative to the other offerings in this market."  

The drug is expected to launch in the second half of 2017. 

Adamis indicated it is exploring commercialization options and is in discussion with potential partners.

The firm also said it plans to submit a junior version of the product for US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review in due course.