A new development is underway in the opioid overdose treatment space. The Food and Drug Administration is making way for drug companies to have increased access to a life-saving drug. The move also includes lowering the cost of the drug used for opioid overdose.
Naloxone, the labeling of the prescription drug for opioid overdose is receiving streamlining. The drug can counter opioid overdose if detected timely. As the move comes into effect, drugmakers are likely to introduce over-the-counter versions of the drug. The branded drug mostly used is exorbitantly expensive, thus making it unaffordable for many.
The FDA commissioner stated that Naloxone is a crucial drug to lower opioid overdose deaths. The need of the hour is prevention and treatment of opioid overdose, stated the FDA associate. Therefore, the move to increase thje availability of Naloxone is important.
Available in injection and nasal spray, emergency rooms in the U.S. use Naoxone is high volumes. It reverses the symptoms of drug overdose of opioids such as heroin, OxyContin, fentanyl, and Percocet.
Functionality-wise, Naloxone binds opioid receptors in the brain, thus blocking the drug. Therefore, overdosing ceases in two to five months.
In terms of type, Naloxone drug maker Kaleo has an injectable version. The injectable drug Evzio is sold at US$4,100. The company plans to introduce a generic version of the drug later this year, thus reducing the retail price to nearly US$ 178.
