Biotech
Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 3:39 pm EDT
Key Points
- Walgreens introduces its own cheaper version of the over-the-counter opioid overdose reversal spray naloxone, which will be available online and in all stores by the end of the month.
- The drugstore chain aims to enhance accessibility to naloxone across the U.S. amid the opioid epidemic and high drug fatality rates, with over 645,000 opioid-related deaths reported from 1999 to 2021.
- Naloxone, capable of temporarily reversing opioid overdose effects, remains limited in many communities despite its efficacy, prompting Walgreens to offer its “Walgreens Brand Naloxone” at $34.99 for a two-dose pack, around $10 cheaper than the branded drug Narcan.
Walgreens announced its plan to introduce a more affordable version of the over-the-counter opioid overdose reversal spray naloxone, aiming to enhance accessibility to this life-saving medication across the United States. As the nation continues to grapple with the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic, characterized by alarmingly high drug fatality rates, Walgreens seeks to play a significant role in combatting this crisis. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 645,000 individuals have lost their lives to opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2021. Naloxone, capable of temporarily reversing opioid overdose effects such as those induced by heroin and fentanyl, serves as a critical intervention by blocking opioids’ impact on the brain, thereby restoring normal breathing and preventing fatalities. Despite its effectiveness, access to naloxone remains constrained in numerous communities, prompting Walgreens to take action. The company plans to retail a two-dose pack of its “Walgreens Brand Naloxone” for $34.99, a price point approximately $10 lower than the branded drug Narcan, which obtained FDA approval as the first prescription-free naloxone version last year. Formerly requiring a prescription for access, naloxone’s transition to over-the-counter availability aligns with Walgreens’ commitment to improving accessibility, both in terms of quantity and affordability. Dr. Priya Mammen, senior medical director in Walgreens’ Office of Clinical Integrity, emphasized the company’s deliberate effort to enhance accessibility, stating that the decision was aimed at ensuring that naloxone is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or circumstance. With the recent FDA approval of its prescription-free naloxone nasal spray, Walgreens anticipates that its initiative will contribute to reducing the stigma associated with drug overdoses and naloxone usage. Mammen underscored the importance of recognizing naloxone as a life-saving medication accessible to individuals, families, and communities, empowering them to be proactive in addressing opioid-related emergencies and fostering a collective approach towards combating the opioid crisis.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/15/walgreens-opioid-overdose-drug-naloxone.html
