View printer-friendly version

Emergent’s Response to U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and Congressional Leaders Regarding Access to Naloxone

In response to a letter led by Senator Tammy Baldwin requesting manufacturers submit an FDA application to make naloxone available over-the-counter (OTC), Emergent expressed its commitment to evaluating strategies to help make naloxone accessible for people who need it and reiterated the importance of engagement to discuss OTC naloxone, policies that support increased access, awareness and affordability. Emergent highlighted the current widespread availability and affordability of naloxone, and shared its desire to help ensure all people who may need it have access.

Writing to the group of Senators and Members of Congress, Emergent pointed out that “Standing orders make naloxone available without a prescription in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, though those policies vary by state. Currently, 100 percent of insured lives in the U.S., including those insured by Medicare and Medicaid, have coverage of naloxone.” It also highlighted the critical role of Medicaid in ensuring lower-income Americans have access to naloxone.

Emergent presented the following questions that should be considered in tandem with the discussion around OTC naloxone:

• Recognizing that a conversion to OTC may result in the loss of insurance coverage and an increase in out-of-pocket expenses, how does Congress intend to address the loss of insurance coverage and protect insured patients such as Medicaid beneficiaries who would not be able to access naloxone through the Medicaid program if the product is available over the counter?
• How does Congress intend to act to increase awareness to at-risk populations and address the lack of awareness among the public of the existence of opioid overdose reversal medications and how to obtain them?
• How can Congress continue to encourage programs that make naloxone available at no cost or low cost to vulnerable populations that are at risk of an opioid overdose, such as those discharged from Emergency Departments and correctional facilities?
• How does Congress intend to address stigma and continue to support programs that make naloxone available free of charge to those that need it through community distribution?

Emergent is a global life sciences company whose mission is to protect and enhance life. We are dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and delivering protections against public health threats, including reversing an accidental opioid overdose. Recognizing the critical role of community distribution of naloxone, Emergent has established discount pricing for harm reduction groups, public health clinics, fire departments, police departments, and other nonprofit organizations.

Continued engagement with stakeholders and policymakers to discuss OTC naloxone, policies that support increased access, awareness and maintain affordability, as well as ways to address and mitigate the potential unintended consequences is of utmost importance to Emergent.

Emergent’s full response can be read here.