The EpiPen and Food Allergies (from Drug Story)

Hey there —

Today on the podcast, we have something a little different: an episode from a new podcast we’re really into, called Drug Story, hosted by science journalist and self-described “public health nerd” Thomas Goetz.

Each episode of Drug Story digs into the history of a single drug — and what it tells us about the business of health and disease. Right up our alley, and really well done.

And this particular episode is a special treat — more on what it’s about below.

But first, super-quick: If you haven’t already filled out our audience survey, can you take a minute to do it now?

You’ll be helping us understand who we’re making the show and this newsletter for, and how we can make our work even better.

OK, back to today’s story…

This episode of Drug Story is all about the EpiPen — the break-glass-in-case-of-emergency device millions of people keep on hand to deal with severe, sudden-onset allergic reactions.

The EpiPen had been around for while when a new company bought the patent in 2007, and did two things:

First, they dramatically expanded the market — and their market share — through lobbying campaigns focused on lawmakers, regulators, and even school districts.

And second: They cranked up the price. Like, tripled it. And people noticed.

That’s the extremely Arm-and-a-Leg-coded side of the EpiPen’s story.

And there’s so much more eye-opening stuff here — from a science and public health perspective — that Goetz does a great job of laying out.

I think you’re gonna like it.

And we’ll be back with our own new stuff in a few weeks.

Until then, take care of yourself.

(Oh and maybe take our little survey?)

THANK YOU!

— Dan