California Partners with Amneal Pharmaceuticals for Discounted Generic Narcan, Expanding Overdose Response Efforts

California is teaming up with New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company Amneal Pharmaceuticals to purchase generic naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, at a discounted price of $24 per pack under an agreement announced by Governor Gavin Newsom. The deal will enable California to acquire 3.2 million packs in one year instead of the previous limit of two million for the same total cost due to lower prices offered by Amneal Pharmaceuticals, which is approximately 40% cheaper than market rates. This agreement signifies a significant development as it marks the first time California will be able to buy more naloxone at reduced costs through its Naloxone Distribution Project for free distribution among first responders, universities, and community organizations across California affected by opioid overdose epidemic that has led to an alarming surge in deaths. The agreement also indicates the implementation of Newsom’s proposed CalRx label initiative aimed at forcing drug companies to lower their prices through competing versions of life-saving medication. Amneal Pharmaceuticals, which produces a generic equivalent to Narcan approved by FDA last week, will initially sell naloxone under its brand before switching it over to the state’s CalRx label once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the same process for approval may take several months. The move comes as opioid-related deaths continue to surge in California and across America with annual fatalities exceeding 7,385 cases recorded by end of 2021—double the figure registered two years ago when distribution started without any charge levied against individuals receiving these packs via Naloxone Distribution Project.