Mylan CEO defends Epipen prices at congressional hearing

Heather Bresch, chief executive officer of US pharmaceutical firm Mylan, has appeared before a congressional committee in defence of the company's pricing of its Epipen allergy reaction jab.

The injection has gone from $100 in 2009 to $608 today for a pack of two, prompting criticism that Mylan is taking advantage of a lack of competition in the industry.

Bresch was grilled by members of both political parties surrounding the practice on Wednesday. She was repeatedly asked about the profits Mylan makes on Epipens.

Republican Elijah Cummings told her that the pricing allows the company "to get filthy rich at the expense of our constituents" at the House Oversight Committee hearing.

The CEO defended the practice however, saying that reports concerning Mylan's profits are unfounded.

"Sir, we have an $11 billion company. I run an $11 billion company. And yes, EpiPen is our largest product, but [it's] by no means driving the entire performance of our company."

"I know there is considerable concern and skepticism about the pricing," Bresch said. "I think many people incorrectly assume we make $600 off each EpiPen. This is simply not true."

She claimed that Mylan only makes around $50 for each pack that is sold.

The committee was also holding the Food and Drug Administration body to account for the pricing issue.