The Generic Pharmaceutical Association is urging lawmakers to pass policies promoting competition in the industry as a means of holding down drug prices—an announcement coming as one of the group's largest members is facing questions about price hikes for EpiPens.

In a statement issued Monday, GPhA CEO Chip Davis didn't mention EpiPens by name, but he acknowledged the current controversy about rising drug prices and that "there are differing perspectives emanating from a multitude of health care stakeholders."

"That said, when the dialogue turns to potential policy solutions, there is one area where all stakeholders appear to be finding common ground—increased competition from generic drugs is a proven way to ensure greater access while simultaneously keeping costs low for both patients and the overall healthcare system," Davis said.

EpiPens are an auto-injection system designed to deliver precise doses of epinephrine into the bloodstreams of people having severe asthma and allergic reactions. The price of devices has risen from $57 for a single EpiPen to $600 for a pack of two in nine years. Critics of the price hikes note there have been no changes to the products.

Drug manufacturer Mylan produces EpiPens. Company CEO Heather Bresch is currently chair of GPhA's board of directors. The American Medical Association and Pharmaceutical Care Management Association have both issued statements critical of Mylan.

Davis didn't respond to any specific criticisms of the industry, instead saying generic drugs save U.S. health care system hundreds of billions of dollars. He also noted they account for 28 percent of prescription drug costs.

"The value proposition provided by increasing competition provides an opportunity to increase access and further reduce costs to the system," he said. "There are policy and regulatory changes that, if enacted, would further enhance competition, create more access, and drive improvements and enhancements to the current prescription drug market." http://bit.ly/2bM6Ari

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