US FDA approves over-the-counter sale of overdose reversal drug Narcan

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved over-the-counter (OTC) sales of Emergent BioSolutions Inc's (EBS.N) Narcan, allowing for easier availability of the life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.

The formal decision makes Narcan the first naloxone-based drug available without a prescription.

Emergent said it will make Narcan available on U.S. store shelves and online retailers by late summer.

"I think it's a big win. The question now remains about the cost," said Noa Krawczyk, assistant professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

The contract drugmaker declined...