MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Brad Schimel is expanding access and affordability of the live-saving opiate antidote, NARCAN® Nasal Spray, through a partnership with the drug’s manufacturer, Adapt Pharma, Inc. that was announced today.
“The Wisconsin Department of Justice is committed to Wisconsin’s law enforcement and first responders who make our state safer and stronger every day,” said Attorney General Schimel. “After hearing recent news reports about the rising prices of some naloxone products, we teamed up with Adapt Pharma to provide financial relief and increased access to the opioid antidote. We are grateful for Adapt’s leadership and look forward to the widespread availability of NARCAN® as a result of this discount.”
NARCAN® Nasal Spray is an FDA-approved naloxone in a nasal spray for the emergency treatment of prescription opioid, fentanyl and heroin-related overdose. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is a ready-to-use, needle-free, 4mg dose of naloxone in a single spray. Its design makes it easy for both medical and non-medical personnel to administer a concentrated naloxone dose to restore breathing quickly to those who are experiencing an opioid overdose.
“We are very excited to be working with Attorney General Schimel to improve access and affordability to NARCAN® Nasal Spray throughout the state of Wisconsin,” said Mike Kelly, President of U.S. Operations at Adapt Pharma. “By ensuring our Public Interest Price, we can equip all police, EMS, Firefighters and those on the ground close to the opioid epidemic with the highest dose of FDA approved nasal naloxone that was designed for community use to treat opioid overdoses.”
The use of naloxone in Wisconsin has been widespread in recent years thanks to the work of Rep. John Nygren and his Heroin, Opioid Prevention and Education (H.O.P.E.) legislation, which has expanded law enforcement training and access to the life-saving drug.
“Expanding access to opioid antagonists like Narcan is a priority in Wisconsin,” said Rep. John Nygren. “While they can be expensive, our state has worked with Adapt Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to increase the affordability of these life-saving drugs. The more accessible opioid antagonists are, the more people suffering from addiction will have a chance at recovery.”
Police, first responders, state or local government agencies, as well as community-based organizations that purchase NARCAN® Nasal Spray directly from Adapt Pharma in quantities greater than 48 units are eligible for a 40% discount, reducing the price from $125 to $75 for 2 4mg doses. The discounted price is set until February 15, 2018. For more information, please visit narcan.com or https://www.doj.state.wi.us/news-releases/ag-schimel-partners-adapt-pharma-discounted-opioid-antidote