Blumenthal Statement on Mylan Settlement with Department of Justice

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement today in response to Mylan’s $465 million settlement with the Department of Justice over the misclassification of the EpiPen:

“This settlement is a shadow of what it should be—lacking real accountability for Mylan’s apparent lawbreaking. The deal short circuits investigation and fact finding necessary to determine the scope of illegality, culpability of individuals, and proof of criminal wrongdoing. This settlement is blatantly inadequate, not only in dollar amount, but also Mylan’s avoiding admission of moral and legal responsibility. Now more than ever, Congress has an obligation to investigate thoroughly and promptly, and provide an effective remedy.”

Last week, Blumenthal sent a letter with Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to consider investigating whether Mylan Pharmaceuticals violated the law when it apparently misclassified its EpiPen product in order to pay a lower rebate to states and reap huge profits at the expense of taxpayers. Blumenthal was one of the first Senators to respond to Mylan’s excessive prices increases for a drug to treat extreme, life-threatening allergic reactions. He has called for an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission, and hearings by the Senate Judiciary and Commerce Committees, on which he sits. Blumenthal also pressed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to answer questions about its approval process and other steps for alternatives to the EpiPen. 

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