California is taking the first step in creating its own supply of Narcan. The medication can quickly reverse a drug overdose. Governor Gavin Newsom calls it a lifesaver, saying this will help tackle the opioid epidemic from all sides.
Private partners can now bid to develop, manufacture and distribute the nasal spray with naloxone under the Cal-Rx label. The state will allocate $30 million to support a partner, or partners, in developing, manufacturing, procuring, and distributing a naloxone nasal product under the CalRx label.
The goal is to make it more accessible and affordable for anyone who needs it.
Just last month, state lawmakers killed a bill for Narcan in public spots. The bill would have required public places including bars, public libraries, and low-income housing such as single-room-occupancy hotels in counties with high overdose rates to have the overdose-reversing drug on hand.
