Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) is pressuring GSK to put a commonly used pediatric inhaler back on the market after the company stopped producing it in late 2023 in favor of an authorized generic version.
In a three-page letter sent to GSK CEO Emma Walmsley on Wednesday, Hassan asserts that the company is not sticking to its commitment to cap the price of many of its inhalers at $35 a month, which the company announced last March. The senator’s concerns stem from GSK’s decision this past fall to halt production of its branded version and solely produce an authorized generic.
Hassan, who serves on committees overseeing finance and health, pointed to GSK’s agreement with Prasco Laboratories to manufacture the authorized generic version of Flovent called fluticasone, explaining how it isn’t subject to the company’s same price cap and generally isn’t covered by insurance.
“This means that families either must pay the full list price — anywhere from $150 to $250 per month — or go without their children’s medication,” Hassan wrote. “While GSK is no longer listed on the package, the authorized generic is still a GSK product, and GSK has a clear role — and financial stake — in Prasco’s marketing strategy.”
She urges the company to put the original Flovent HFA back on the market and work with Prasco to lower the list price for the authorized generic version.
GSK and Prasco did not immediately return Endpoints News’ request for comment.
GSK is also facing pressure from the FTC over patents on its inhalers. The commission handed the company a warning letter over several patents listed in the Orange Book that it deemed to be “junk” and claimed they effectively stave off generic competition.
