Emergent’s Statement on Over-the-Counter Access, Availability and Pricing of NARCAN® Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg
On the heels of last month’s FDA approval of NARCAN® Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg for the over-the-counter (OTC) use of opioid overdose emergency, Emergent is committed to increasing awareness of and expanding access to naloxone.
The approval of NARCAN® Nasal Spray to be sold over the counter is a historic milestone in the fight against the opioid crisis. It enables broadened access to the life-saving treatment where other OTC products may be purchased, such as pharmacy shelves, in convenience stores and vending machines, and through online retailers. This is a significant opportunity to expand access and build on – not replace – Emergent’s longstanding efforts with public interest partners across the country.
As we work to make the product nationally available on U.S. shelves and through online retailers by late summer, we are focused on strengthening collaboration with government leaders, retailers and other key stakeholders to ensure naloxone is broadly available to those who need it. Two key factors in expanding access include maintaining and enhancing distribution channels to reach high-risk and underserved populations, including 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. These are points we have raised with Administration and Congressional leaders.
Maintaining affordability is another key component of this effort, which is why Emergent has not raised the price of NARCAN since the product’s prescription-only launch in 2016. At that time, discount pricing was implemented for groups and stakeholders that serve the public, such as local and state government agencies, harm reduction groups, other non-profits, emergency and first responders. Today, for these public interest groups, the price for one carton of two 4 mg doses of NARCAN® Nasal Spray averages less than $50. We will continue to take a responsible approach to pricing that considers a number of factors, including the cost of goods for materials, packaging, domestic manufacturing and shipping, as well as the education and awareness support needed to empower individuals to obtain the treatment. As a long-term supplier of NARCAN® Nasal Spray, we need to foster a sustainable business model, to help us to continue to meet the needs of the people and communities we serve.
Since there are a variety of factors associated with determining the OTC price, it is critical that we come together with government leaders, retailers and other key stakeholders to ensure efforts are focused on increasing awareness, broadening access, and helping to maintain affordability. As such, we are actively working with retailers on pricing, access and availability. A goal for the out-of-pocket retailer price is to be consistent with our public interest pricing for one carton of two 4 mg doses, although retail price is set by individual retailers. Our pricing for both public interest groups and retailers would be significantly less than the current Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) price of $125.
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. This public health crisis requires more work to be done. Our mission is to protect and enhance life, and we are focused on continuing efforts that will increase awareness of and expand access to naloxone, along with helping to maintain affordability.
About NARCAN® Nasal Spray
NARCAN® Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg is the first FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) 4 mg naloxone product for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Repeat dosing may be necessary. Use as directed.