: Emergent Biosolutions to make Narcan opioid overdose treatment available without prescription starting in September

Emergent Biosolutions Inc. EBS said Wednesday its Narcan nasal spray that’s an antidote for an opioid overdose will be available without a prescription starting in September. The Gaithersburg, Md.-based company said Narcan will have a suggested retail price of $44.99 a carton, or $22.50 per dose. The company has shipped Narcan to leading drug, pharmacy and grocery stores. “Over-the-counter (OTC) access to NARCAN(R) Nasal Spray offers more people the ability to respond in an opioid emergency, helping to save lives and keep loved ones and communities safe,” the company said in a statement. “Expanding access and awareness is critical given the staggering toll of the epidemic mainly driven by synthetic opioids, like fentanyl.” Opioid overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. Last year, about every seven minutes, a life was lost due to an opioid overdose. The average response time for emergency services to arrive is about 10 minutes, so having Narcan in a first-aid kit can make a life-and-death difference. The spray can immediately reverse an overdose, including of fentanyl. Walgreens Boots Alliance WBA said it will offer OTC Narcan starting Sept. 5. Emergent’s stock was up 0.7% premarket but is down 66% in the year to date, while the S&P 500 SPX has gained 17%.

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