Emergent BioSolutions Advances Opioid Epidemic Efforts & Marks National Naloxone Awareness Day

In honor of National Naloxone Awareness Day, Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is emphasizing its dedication to addressing the U.S. opioid crisis. Recent survey results shed light on public awareness regarding opioid-related overdoses and the use of naloxone. The findings indicate that while many people recognize that fentanyl is an opioid and that naloxone can reverse overdoses, there are still significant knowledge gaps in certain demographics.

Emergent’s survey, conducted by Bryter Global, included 2,010 American adults and revealed that 72% were aware of naloxone’s efficacy in reversing fentanyl overdoses. However, more than half of the respondents did not consider the availability of naloxone nasal spray as particularly relevant to them. This gap in awareness is more pronounced among younger individuals aged 18-34 and those with lower educational levels, highlighting the need for ongoing public education.

Despite the CDC reporting a first annual decrease in opioid-related deaths since 2018, fentanyl poisonings continue to rise, resulting in over 100,000 preventable deaths in 2023. Paul Williams, Emergent’s Senior Vice President, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to tackling the crisis, including raising awareness and ensuring easy access to NARCAN® Nasal Spray. This day also commemorates lives lost to overdoses, including Victoria Siegel, who died on June 6, 2015.

NARCAN® Nasal Spray 4 mg is the first FDA-approved over-the-counter naloxone product for emergency treatment of opioid overdoses. Emergent’s strategy to increase naloxone’s availability includes educational initiatives and public outreach through campaigns like Ready to Rescue. The company recently collaborated with the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy to explore new ways to enhance public access to naloxone, aligning with the White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose.

Since its prescription launch in 2016, Emergent has distributed around 64 million doses of NARCAN® Nasal Spray across the U.S. and Canada. In 2023 alone, approximately 22 million doses were delivered. Emergent remains committed to broadening access and awareness to meet the anticipated increase in demand for 2024.

Williams noted that Emergent is working with public interest groups and retail partners to expand consumer access to naloxone. Additionally, partnerships are being formed with businesses and employers to further educate and distribute NARCAN® Nasal Spray, in alignment with Emergent’s mission to address the evolving opioid epidemic.

Emergent’s survey also highlighted the necessity for continued public education about naloxone, especially for younger and less-educated populations who are at higher risk. The company’s multi-faceted approach aims to inform the public about the life-saving potential of naloxone and to ensure its widespread availability.

Overall, Emergent BioSolutions is dedicated to protecting and enhancing lives through its efforts to combat the opioid crisis. With ongoing educational campaigns, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to expanding naloxone access, the company aims to significantly reduce opioid-related fatalities and ensure that more people are equipped to respond to overdose emergencies effectively.