Emergent BioSolutions Extends Shelf Life of NARCAN® Nasal Spray in Canada

Emergent BioSolutions has announced a significant extension of the shelf life for its NARCAN® Nasal Spray, increasing it from three years to four years for all newly produced units. This update positions NARCAN® as the only 4 mg intranasal naloxone spray in Canada with a four-year expiration date. Health Canada approved this change on February 2, 2024, and the product with the extended shelf life has already begun shipping.

Naloxone, the key ingredient in NARCAN® Nasal Spray, is a crucial medication capable of reversing opioid overdoses. It is effective against both prescription opioids and illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl. Health Canada initially approved NARCAN® Nasal Spray in October 2016 as an emergency public health measure.

The growing opioid crisis underscores the importance of naloxone availability. In 2023, Canada saw 6,312 opioid-related hospitalizations, marking a 16 percent increase from the previous year. On average, that translates to 17 hospitalizations per day. Emergent BioSolutions distributed approximately 22 million doses (or around 11 million two-dose cartons) of NARCAN® Nasal Spray in Canada and the U.S. in 2023. These distributions were primarily through community organizations, harm reduction groups, and pharmacies.

Paul Williams, Senior Vice President at Emergent, emphasized that the extension of the shelf life for NARCAN® Nasal Spray is part of a broader strategy to combat the opioid epidemic. By extending the life of this life-saving medication, Emergent aims to ensure that patients, caregivers, and community partners are better equipped to handle opioid overdose emergencies.

Beyond extending access to naloxone, Emergent BioSolutions invests in public awareness campaigns and supports local community organizations. The company collaborates with governments, associations, and Indigenous communities to disseminate intranasal naloxone widely.

In several Canadian regions, NARCAN® Nasal Spray is available at no cost through provincial and territorial take-home naloxone programs. These areas include Northwest Territories, Ontario, Quebec, and Yukon. It is also available through Veteran Affairs Canada, the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia, and the Non-Insured Health Benefits program. For those in regions without such programs, NARCAN® Nasal Spray can be ordered online through OrderNARCAN.ca.

NARCAN® Nasal Spray is intended for anyone to administer in the event of an opioid overdose. It is designed to reverse the effects of the overdose until professional medical assistance can arrive. Importantly, administering NARCAN® to someone who is not experiencing an overdose or does not have opioids in their system does no harm.

Understanding the importance of this medication, Emergent BioSolutions also provides resources, educational materials, and advocacy tools to inform the public about NARCAN® Nasal Spray. The company’s mission extends beyond just providing the medication; it aims to protect and enhance lives through a comprehensive approach to public health threats.

For over 25 years, Emergent BioSolutions has focused on defending people against potential health threats by developing and manufacturing vaccines and therapeutics. This commitment to public health safety and preparedness underscores their ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis and ensure wide access to life-saving interventions like NARCAN® Nasal Spray.