Thursday, the company that makes and sells EpiPens, Mylan, announced it is taking immediate action to enhance access to EpiPen. In recent months the cost of the epinephrine injection, which treats life-threatening allergic reactions like peanuts or bee stings, has increased by 400% since 2007, according to Senator Charles Grassley. He tells KCII News it’s a concern and he’s receiving letters from Iowans regarding the increased costs, including one man who said he had to pay more than $500 for a single EpiPen for his daughter.

Grassley wrote an open letter to the company, which had two purposes – get justification for the price hike and to embarrass the company about the monopoly on the product. He says there is concern for families who have to purchase these, but also for schools who buy EpiPens to have on hand for students who have allergies. Grassley said about 40% of those who may have such allergies are on Medicaid, which the price increases costs taxpayers. Grassley said legislators are also writing to the Food and Drug Administration to find out why other companies haven’t been approved to sell a similar product.

Thursday’s announcement from Mylan states “Mylan doubling the eligibility for patient assistance, effectively eliminating out-of-pocket expense for uninsured and under-insured patients. Company to cover up to $300 of out-of-pocket cost at pharmacy; reducing patient cost by 50% off Mylan list price.”

For the full interview with Grassley listen to Friday’s Washington Page, it can be found online at KCIIRadio.com.