California Governor Gavin Newsom made an announcement on Monday that the state will offer a complimentary generic version of Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal drug, to first responders, universities, and other eligible organizations.
CalRx’s Naloxone Access Initiative is set to purchase over-the-counter naloxone for $24 per pack, which is approximately 50% lower than the current market price. The initiative will source the naloxone from Amneal Pharmaceuticals, a reputable manufacturer based in New Jersey, as stated in a news release from Newsom’s office.
Under the new agreement, the state has the opportunity to purchase 3.2 million twin packs of the drug, which is a significant increase from the previous quantity of 2 million.
Governor Newsom stated that California is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry through CalRx, which aims to provide affordable and transparent prices for life-saving drugs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval for the sale of Narcan, the primary form of naloxone, without the need for a prescription in March 2023. Recently, the FDA also approved the generic version of Narcan spray produced by Amneal Pharmaceuticals.
In 2019, California introduced CalRX, a program aimed at partnering with generic and biosimilar drug manufacturers to provide more affordable alternatives to insulin and other medications. The primary objective of this initiative is to address drug shortages and incentivize pharmaceutical companies to decrease their prices, resulting in cost savings for the state and its residents.
Every year, countless Californians lose their lives due to opioid overdoses and accidental ingestion. In an effort to combat this alarming issue, health officials in the state have taken proactive measures by distributing millions of naloxone kits at no cost.
