Why we support increasing access to Naloxone-Test
By Marcelo E. Bigal, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, Purdue Pharma
Purdue Pharma advancing naloxone as a low-cost, OTC product
The U.S. Surgeon General, the FDA Opioids Action Plan, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and The President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis all recommend expanded use of naloxone due to its potential for saving lives. Unfortunately, cost has been a barrier, especially in those communities hardest hit by the opioid crisis.
As the Chief Medical Officer for a company that makes prescription opioids, we are deeply concerned about the toll both illicit and prescription opioid abuse and addiction are having on individuals and families across the nation. This is why my company, Purdue Pharma, has provided $3.42 million grant to Harm Reduction Therapeutics, to advance the development of its low-cost, over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone nasal spray.
While not a standalone solution, when used to revive a person who has suffered an overdose, naloxone can save a life and give an individual the chance to enter treatment for opioid use disorder. It is our hope that as the federal, state and local governments, along with the private sector, aggressively combats the nation’s opioid crisis, more mothers or fathers, daughters or sons, sisters or brothers will have a second chance.
As member of the medical community for the past XX Years, I bring a perspective to bear on this issue, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share my point of view. As a physician and researcher in the field of pain, I understand the consequences of misusing opioid analgesics and the necessity for cautious prescribing. Because of this experience, I recognize the need for wider access to naloxone and the public health benefits when it is readily available. At Purdue, we support policies and initiatives designed to help address opioid misuse and addiction. In addition to our work with increasing access to naloxone through a grant of an OTC product and past work with the National Sheriffs’ Association, we encourage increased use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). Studies suggest that PDMPs can help reduce the number of prescriptions written for opioids and that PDMP use is associated with a reduction in pain medications received for nonmedical use from multiple doctors.,
Purdue also support increasing awareness about the risks of prescription opioids, especially through prevention education efforts, and do so as a member of the Prescription Drug Safety Network, a public-private initiative created by EVERFI, a leader in population-level prevention education. This network, and its diverse coalition of stakeholders, is providing access to interactive sessions and self-guided activities to empower students with knowledge, skills, and strategies to help prevent prescription drug misuse and abuse.
Many factors contributed to the crisis and many parties need to play a role in addressing it — manufacturers, insurance companies, doctors, pharmacists, regulators, distributors, educators, first responders, patients, and caregivers. Only multiple, overlapping efforts will drive change.
It is my hope that you will join us in supporting government and private sector actions that call for increased access to naloxone. Together we can all help save lives.
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2. Ali MM, Dowd W, Classen T. Prescription drug monitoring programs, nonmedical use of prescription drugs, and heroin use: Evidence from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health. Addictive Behaviors. 69 (2017) 65–77.
This content was supplied by Purdue Pharma and published by WP BrandStudio. The Washington Post newsroom was not involved in the creation of this content.
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