Emergent BioSolutions Inc., based in Radnor, has come up with an over-the-counter version of Narcan Nasal Spray, writes Julie Wernau for The Wall Street Journal.

The company hopes to fast-track its FDA application for the spray, with expected approval on March 29, 2023, first in line ahead of its competitors.

The company has been working on the opioid-reversal nasal spray for several months.

The FDA is encouraging over-the-counter versions of overdose-reversal medications like Narcan to cope with a swelling overdose crisis from illegal versions of the opioid fentanyl.

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf wants naloxone to be as common as defibrillators.

“Any application we get, this is a high priority. They will get looked at as quickly as we can,” Dr. Califf said. 

The main FDA concern with Emergent’s creation of an over the counter nasal spray is making sure people using the product understand the instructions on the package and can administer the drug without a prescriber.

The price for the proposed spray hasn’t been determined. A box of prescribed Narcan was $152 in November or $137 from generic competitors.

Prices could drop, though, from two other companies also competing in the market.  

Drug-overdose deaths reached 108,000 last year,

Read more about Emergent’s Narcan Nasal Spray, at The Wall Street Journal.

An expert explains the effect of Narcan on opioids.