The life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication Narcan Nasal Spray will likely be available as an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment option for less than $50, according to the manufacturer.
The price announcement comes just a few weeks after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Narcan for OTC use. The approval was applauded by the healthcare industry and public health experts, as having easier access to Narcan could reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths.
The opioid abuse epidemic has caused a significant number of overdose deaths in the United States over the past several years. An estimated 79,117 Americans died from drug overdoses between January and September 2022, according to the Commonwealth Fund. Since 1999, 932,000 people have died from drug overdose in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Narcan is a nasal spray medication that can reverse an overdose and potentially prevent death in many if it is administered quickly enough. In March, the FDA approved Narcan Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg, which is manufactured by Emergent BioSolutions. The agency also encouraged other drugmakers to apply for OTC use approval for their versions of Narcan to create wider access to the critical medication.
“OTC availability is one of several elements that can help to remove barriers to naloxone, but the magnitude of the opioid epidemic requires additional support and pathways to access,” Emergent said in its price announcement. “This public health crisis requires more work to be done.”
The drug manufacturer said it is working with retailers to get Narcan on U.S. shelves and online for purchase by late summer, as well as collaborating with government leaders and other key stakeholders. The company said maintaining and expanding distribution channels to reach high-risk and underserved populations will require federal funding for State Opioid Response and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment programs, as well as potential coverage from commercial insurers and Medicare Advantage plans. Emergent has brought up these needs with administration and Congressional leaders already, the company said.
In addition, Emergent recognized the importance of affordability for the drug to save lives, highlighting it has not raised the cost of Narcan since 2016. For public interest groups, the price for one carton of two 4 mg doses of NARCAN® Nasal Spray averages less than $50. Emergent said it is aiming for its retail price to be consistent with its public interest pricing for one carton of two 4 mg doses, though retailers will ultimately set their own prices.
“Our pricing for both public interest groups and retailers would be significantly less than the current Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) price of $125,” the company said.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."