Cost of overdose drug could hamper access in Maryland and elsewhere (Baltimore Sun)

Wednesday Feb 15th, 2017

The price of a drug that has saved the lives of more than 800 people overdosing on heroin or other opioids in Baltimore is rising rapidly.

The antidote known as naloxone revives addicts after they've stopped breathing, with either a simple spray in their nose or an injection.

The use of naloxone is a centerpiece of Baltimore public health officials' wide-ranging efforts to battle the growing heroin epidemic, but the rising price of the antidote could constrain the campaign to stop or at least slow the rate of overdose deaths.

"We shouldn't be priced out of saving lives," said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore's health commissioner. "In a time of a public health emergency, we should be making it more affordable and available."

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