Letter to Mr. Spencer Williamson, CEO of Kaléo, Inc. - Congressman Duffy Demands Answers About Price Spike For Opioid Overdose Treatment

Letter

Mr. Williamson:

I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the cost of Evzio, the hand-held naloxone auto-injector. I have heard from many first responders and families who share my concern that the recent price hike of this device denies lifesaving treatment to those suspected of drug overdose.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that from 1999 to 2015, more than 183,000 people have died in the U.S. from overdoses related to prescription opioids. As you no doubt know, every day, over 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for misusing prescription opioids. Access to prescription treatments, like Evzio, is critical to save lives.

Despite the need for Evzio, Kaléo, Inc. has increased the twin-pack price of this unit to $4,500, from $690 in 2014. Understandably, this dramatic price increase has created a significant cost burden on families and communities who must rely on this product. At the current price point, Evzio is unaffordable to many Americans who need this treatment the most.

In light of recent high-profile price hikes by Turing Pharmaceuticals and Mylan for critical drugs, the price hike by Kaléo, Inc. is especially concerning. In both of those instances, the CEOs of those companies were called to testify before Congress regarding the exponential price increase of their products.

I request that you, on behalf of Kaléo, Inc., provide me with a written explanation as to the price hike for Evzio. I would also like to know how Kaléo, Inc. intends to make Evzio more affordable for families and communities in need.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Sean P. Duffy

Member of Congress

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