Senator Hassan Investigates GSK Discontinuation of Children's Asthma Inhaler Amid Hospitalization Rise

U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan has launched an investigation into GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) discontinuation of the Flovent HFA asthma inhaler, a decision that has been linked to increased hospitalizations and fatalities among children with asthma. Hassan accuses GSK of replacing the inhaler with a higher-cost authorized generic to avoid Medicaid rebate obligations, which has raised costs for low-income families and reduced access to affordable treatment. She has requested documents from GSK and its generic distributor, Prasco Laboratories, detailing the financial rationale, pricing, rebates, and communications with regulators. A Johns Hopkins analysis cited by Hassan revealed that GSK saved $367 million in Medicaid rebates in 2024, while Medicaid incurred over $550 million in additional costs, with patients paying up to $150 per inhaler compared to $10 for the original. Hassan has called on GSK to restore the original inhaler to the market and improve transparency and affordability. GSK and Prasco have faced criticism for failing to ensure affordable access despite patient assistance efforts.