US Senator Investigates GSK's Removal of Asthma Inhaler Amid Crisis

Washington: A U.S. senator has launched an investigation into GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) decision to discontinue the Flovent HFA inhaler, a widely used asthma treatment for children. Senator Maggie Hassan's probe follows rising concerns over increased hospitalizations and asthma-related deaths after the inhaler was pulled from the market in January 2024.

Hassan accused GSK and its authorized generic distributor, Prasco Laboratories, of failing to ensure affordable access to the treatment. She highlighted that families are now paying up to $150 per generic inhaler, compared to just $10 for the original Flovent HFA.

GSK reportedly saved $367 million in 2024 Medicaid rebates by replacing Flovent with a higher-cost authorized generic, costing the Medicaid program over $550 million. Hassan also criticized the company for potentially evading rebate obligations and requested internal documents detailing the financial and health impact of the decision.

The senator demanded that GSK restore the inhaler to the market and improve access for low-income families. GSK responded by stating that it capped out-of-pocket expenses for asthma medicines at $35 per month for eligible patients starting January 2025 and supported Prasco's patient assistance program, launched in December 2024, which provides free inhalers for those in need.

Hassan emphasized the critical impact of asthma on children, stating that many families have struggled to find effective alternatives. Experts have linked the inhaler's discontinuation to a spike in asthma complications, underscoring the urgent need for affordable and accessible medicine.