Emergent BioSolutions Highlights Need for Expanded Naloxone Access and Awareness

A recent national survey conducted by Bryter Global on behalf of Emergent BioSolutions Inc. has unveiled crucial public perceptions concerning the opioid crisis among teenagers and college students. This study highlights overwhelming concern among Americans and indicates a strong desire for increased educational efforts and easier access to life-saving treatments in schools and other settings.

The survey results show that more than 90 percent of Americans identify opioid overdoses as a significant issue for young individuals. Furthermore, parents particularly stress the need for schools to enhance education about opioid risks and overdose response measures. Despite this recognition, there is a stark underestimation of the severity of opioid-related deaths, with many respondents believing the annual death toll to be around 10,000, whereas the CDC reports over 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2022, with 80 percent involving opioids.

Key findings from the survey reveal that approximately 90 percent of adults, including parents, agree on several points:
- The number of opioid deaths is unacceptable, and they would intervene to save someone from an overdose if given the chance.
- NARCAN® Nasal Spray should be available for purchase over-the-counter without a prescription.
- Opioid overdoses are a considerable concern for teenagers and college students.
- Schools, public libraries, and dormitories should be equipped with NARCAN® Nasal Spray for emergencies.
- Access to NARCAN® Nasal Spray is essential for parents, teachers, coaches, and others who interact with youth.
- First aid kits should include this life-saving treatment.

The concern among parents is particularly pronounced, with 87 percent agreeing that the opioid crisis in America is worsening. Nearly 90 percent of parents believe that normalizing conversations about opioid overdoses and reversal treatments could help save lives.

Joe Papa, president and CEO of Emergent, emphasizes the moral responsibility of society to protect youth from opioid overdoses. He notes the critical importance of immediate access to interventions like NARCAN® Nasal Spray, which can be the difference between life and death during an overdose emergency. Emergent is committed to providing the necessary tools, resources, and training to educators, students, parents, and communities to combat the opioid epidemic effectively.

Alarmingly, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that in 2022, 22 high school students died each week from accidental overdoses, often due to fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills. In response, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and the U.S. Department of Education have called for every school in the United States to carry naloxone.

CDC data reveals that two-thirds of adolescent drug poisoning deaths occurred in the presence of potential bystanders who provided no overdose response. Additionally, nearly half of the fatal overdoses in 2021 had bystanders who were unable to administer life-saving measures such as naloxone.

Emergent BioSolutions has been proactive in raising awareness and education regarding NARCAN® Nasal Spray. In March 2023, NARCAN® Nasal Spray received the first-ever OTC U.S. FDA approval, empowering individuals to respond to opioid emergencies. Emergent is working to ensure NARCAN® Nasal Spray is readily accessible in schools, colleges, and sporting events where the risk of opioid overdose is heightened.

In October 2023, Emergent launched the "Ready to Rescue" campaign to reduce the stigma associated with opioid overdose and educate the public about the risks and preparedness with NARCAN® Nasal Spray. The campaign is actively spreading this message across college campuses throughout the U.S., offering resources and educational kits.

NARCAN® Nasal Spray is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter naloxone product designed for emergency treatment of opioid overdose. It is not a substitute for emergency medical care, and repeat dosing may be necessary.

Emergent BioSolutions continues to strive towards its mission to protect and enhance life, offering solutions for urgent public health threats through vaccines, therapeutics, and integrated services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.