After the internet exploded with hatred for Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli following his 5000% price increase for toxoplasmosis drug Daraprim, Shkreli now says Turing will make the drug more affordable.
“We’ve agreed to lower the price of Daraprim to a point that is more affordable and it’s able to allow the company to make a profit, a very small profit,” said Shkreli.
Daraprim is used to treat toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS or cancer. Turing acquired Daraprim in August, and immediately raised the price from $13.50 a tablet to $750 a tablet.
There is no word on what the new, lower price will be. Shkreli warned that lowering the drug price will likely mean that Turing will have to cut back on R&D spending and/or layoff employees.
The Turing controversy arrives at a time of growing concern over the rising prices of drugs. Several politicians have responded by proposing plans to lower the price of prescription drugs.
Read the USA Today article