Emergent BioSolutions Reinforces its Commitment to Expanding Access to NARCAN® Nasal Spray by Supporting Organizations with New Opioid Overdose Preparedness Programs
Rhea-AI Summary
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) is expanding access to NARCAN® Nasal Spray, the first FDA-approved over-the-counter 4 mg naloxone product for opioid overdose emergency treatment. The initiative comes as opioid overdose deaths show their first decline in five years nationwide.
The company is launching two key partnerships:
- Collaboration with NYC Building & Construction Industry Safety Fund to implement HOPE/LIVES program, providing training and emergency kits with two doses of NARCAN® to construction workers, who face higher opioid prescription rates and fatal overdose risks
- Partnership with Pathway Healthcare to supply NARCAN® Nasal Spray across their Mississippi locations, enhancing accessibility in addiction treatment and mental health facilities
These initiatives aim to increase opioid emergency preparedness and reduce barriers to access, while providing education on overdose recognition and proper administration of the life-saving medication.
Positive
- FDA-approved OTC status for NARCAN® expands market accessibility
- Strategic partnerships with construction industry and healthcare providers increase product distribution
- First decline in opioid deaths in 5 years validates product demand and market strategy
Negative
- High dependence on specific market segments (construction, healthcare) for distribution
- Competitive pressure may increase with OTC status allowing more market entries
News Market Reaction 1 Alert
On the day this news was published, EBS declined 10.41%, reflecting a significant negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
- NYC Building & Construction Industry Safety Fund program will equip local workers, contractors and staff with NARCAN® Nasal Spray and provide trainings on how to administer the life-saving medicine
- Leading mental health and addiction treatment services provider, Pathway Healthcare, breaks down stigma and access barriers by making NARCAN® Nasal Spray available in all Mississippi locations
GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) is strengthening relationships with partners across sectors and continuing its commitment to ensuring widespread opioid emergency preparedness as opioid overdose death rates continue to decline nationwide for the first time in five years.1 These efforts include working with organizations to expand access to NARCAN® Nasal Spray and educate the public on how to respond to an opioid overdose emergency.
NARCAN® Nasal Spray is the first FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) 4 mg naloxone product for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. Despite the recent progress made in stemming the tide of the opioid epidemic, overdose risks persist, especially within the construction industry. Recognizing that construction workers are more likely to be prescribed opioids2 and have the highest rate of fatal drug overdoses compared to other occupations3, Emergent is supporting the NYC Building & Construction Industry Safety Fund in the launch of their new educational program, HOPE/LIVES. As part of HOPE/LIVES, trainings at jobsites will educate workers on the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer NARCAN® Nasal Spray in an opioid emergency. Every worker will also receive an opioid emergency kit with two doses of the life-saving medication, so they can be prepared to save a life when every minute counts.
Emergent is dedicated to ensuring addiction treatment and mental health providers have the tools they need to make an impact on the frontlines of the epidemic. That’s why Emergent is also working with Pathway Healthcare to equip its network of Mississippi locations with NARCAN® Nasal Spray. Having the treatment more readily available in their offices is an important safety precaution for patients and their families impacted by opioid use disorder that will ultimately help save lives.
“Access to naloxone can mean the difference between life and death in an opioid overdose emergency,” said Dr. Stephen Taylor, Chief Medical Officer of Pathway Healthcare. “By ensuring that NARCAN® Nasal Spray is readily available in our clinics, we are taking a necessary step in providing immediate support to those at risk. Our goal is to make life-saving interventions as accessible as possible.”
Pathway Healthcare operates multiple locations throughout the Southeast, offering comprehensive behavioral health and substance use services. With a patient-centered approach, Pathway Healthcare strives to provide accessible and compassionate care to individuals seeking recovery and mental wellness.
“At Pathway, we are dedicated to making sure that our patients and their loved ones have access to essential resources without hesitation,” said Lindsay Lane, VP of Business Development at Pathway Healthcare. “This initiative is about more than just access – it’s about fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear or stigma.”
“The recent decline in opioid overdose deaths reinforces the positive impact of increased education and access to tools like naloxone nasal spray. We applaud NYC Building & Construction Industry Safety Fund and Pathway Healthcare for stepping up and doing their part to combat opioid overdose deaths,” said Paul Williams, senior vice president, products head at Emergent BioSolutions. “It takes a united front – from advocacy groups to public servants, government officials and retailers – and together, we won’t stop until every individual, business and venue is prepared to help save a life in an opioid emergency.”
Learn more about how you can access NARCAN® Nasal Spray and be prepared to save a life at NARCAN.com.
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.
About Emergent BioSolutions
At Emergent, our mission is to protect and enhance life. For over 25 years, we’ve been at work defending people from things we hope will never happen—so we are prepared just in case they ever do. We provide solutions for complex and urgent public health threats through a portfolio of vaccines and therapeutics that we develop and manufacture for governments and consumers. We also offer a range of integrated contract development and manufacturing services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers. To learn more about how we plan to protect or enhance 1 billion lives by 2030, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Investor Contact:
Richard S. Lindahl
Executive Vice President, CFO
lindahlr@ebsi.com
Media Contact:
Assal Hellmer
Vice President, Communications
mediarelations@ebsi.com
1 U.S. Overdose Deaths Decrease in 2023, First Time Since 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2024/20240515.htm
2 Ompad DC, Gershon RR, Sandh S, Acosta P, Palamar JJ. Construction trade and extraction workers: A population at high risk for drug use in the United States, 2005–2014. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2019;205:107640. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107640
3The Nation’s Health. Construction Sector Struggles With Opioid Overdose Deaths. August 2024. https://www.thenationshealth.org/content/54/6/1.2. Accessed February 19, 2025.
FAQ
What is the significance of NARCAN becoming over-the-counter for EBS?
How is EBS expanding NARCAN access in the construction industry?
What is EBS's strategy for NARCAN distribution in Mississippi?
How does the recent decline in opioid deaths impact EBS's NARCAN initiative?
