Free Narcan offered to all United States Libraries, YMCA locations

Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) announced Wednesday in a press release, through its subsidiary Adapt Pharma, the launch of two new programs to raise public awareness of the potential risks of opioids and the importance of preparedness in case of an opioid emergency. Specifically, Emergent will continue its commitment to expand access to naloxone by offering one free box (two doses) of NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray– the leading community use naloxone1 – and educational materials to all 16,568 public libraries and 2,700 YMCAs, reaching thousands of communities throughout the U.S.

“Following the roadmap of the free NARCAN® Nasal Spray for Schools program launched in 2016 and expanded in 2018, we are forging new collaborations and creating new channels to broaden the reach of our education efforts and to make naloxone more accessible within communities,” said Doug White, senior vice president and head of Emergent’s devices business unit. “These two programs reflect our commitment to educating the public about the potential risks of opioids and the critical role of naloxone during an opioid overdose emergency and reinforce our mission – to protect and enhance life.”

“Public libraries are at the heart of every U.S. community and collaborate each day with partners to address critical local needs,” said Michelle Jeske, Denver Public Library City Librarian and member of the Public Library Association Board and of the Libraries and the Opioid Crisis Steering Committee. “During the current opioid crisis, libraries are working with other public agencies to identify and share vital information and resources, host community forums, and provide staff trainings to respond to overdoses. This is one step of a long journey toward lasting community-based solutions.”

“For more than 165 years, the Y has stepped forward to address pressing social issues facing our communities and our country,” said YMCA of the USA President and CEO Kevin Washington. “Opioid addiction, long a problem in many communities, has swept across our nation, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds, in big cities and their suburbs, small towns and rural areas. We are grateful to Emergent BioSolutions for providing Ys nationwide with critical resources to educate their communities about opioid addiction and the importance of being prepared to treat overdoses.”

Earlier this month, Emergent completed the acquisition of Adapt Pharma and its flagship product NARCAN® Nasal Spray, the first and only intranasal form of naloxone approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada, for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose.