Mebendazole has been used since the 1970’s to treat pinworm, a parasite commonly affecting children globally and is on the WHO’s “essential medicines” list. Previously manufactured as a generic by Teva, it sold for $1.60 per pill until April 2011, when it was removed from the US market.
In April 2016, Impax Laboratories (who sold HIV and cancer drug Daraprim to infamously disgraced pharma executive Martin Shkreli) reintroduced mebendazole as Emverm at a cost of $442.00 per pill. This is an unprecedented increase of over 27,000%. Comparatively, in Europe, mebendazole is currently available over-the-counter for ~$2.17 per pill.
Demand your members of Congress investigate Impax Laboratories and hold them accountable for price gouging US consumers and taking advantage of sick children.