Emergent BioSolutions Releases New Survey Findings Underscoring the Need to Continue Expanding Access & Increasing Awareness to Naloxone

• Nearly 9 in 10 Americans surveyed agree opioid overdoses are a concern for teenagers and college students; parents in the survey want life-saving treatment to be easily accessible in case of an emergency
  

GAITHERSBURG, Md., May 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) today announced the results of a new national public opinion survey showing that more than 90 percent of Americans surveyed recognize opioid overdoses are a pressing concern for teenagers and college students, and more than 9 in 10 parents in the survey agree schools should do more to educate on the risks of opioids and how to respond to an overdose.

Conducted by Bryter Global on behalf of Emergent, the survey revealed significant support among Americans – and specifically among parents – for measures aimed at enhancing opioid education and access to lifesaving interventions within school settings. This was the case even though the majority of those surveyed greatly underestimated the number of overdose deaths caused by opioids each year (the median response was 10,000 lives, when in reality, the CDC reports more than 107,000 lives were lost to drug overdose in 2022, of which, 8 in 10 were opioid related).

Key Survey Findings¹
Approximately 90 percent of total respondents/adults (18+), including parents surveyed agree:

• The number of opioid deaths is unacceptable, and they would help save someone from an opioid overdose, given the opportunity
• It’s important for NARCAN Nasal Spray to be available and accessible to buy over-the-counter (OTC) without the need for a prescription
• Opioid overdose is a concern for teenagers and college students
• It’s important for all schools, public libraries and dormitories to have NARCAN Nasal Spray available in case of an opioid overdose emergency
• It is important for parents, teachers, coaches and others who spend time with teenagers and college kids in a professional capacity to have access to NARCAN Nasal Spray
• First aid kits should be equipped with this life-saving treatment

The concern among parents is significant, with 87 percent of survey participants agreeing that the opioid epidemic in America is getting worse. Parents believe a more robust national conversation could be part of the solution. Nearly 9-in-10 parents surveyed believe normalizing the topic of opioid overdose and reversal treatments like naloxone could help save lives.