Emergent BioSolutions Reinforces Commitment to Opioid Emergency Preparedness Efforts in Canada Through Multi-Year Contract with Ontario Ministry of Health
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) has secured a three-year agreement worth approximately $65 million with the Ontario Ministry of Health to supply NARCAN® Nasal Spray through the Ontario Naloxone Program (ONP). The agreement aims to distribute the opioid overdose reversal medication across Ontario through various community-based organizations.
NARCAN® is the only 4 mg intranasal naloxone spray in Canada with a 48-month shelf life. Recent data shows a 30% decrease in overdose deaths in Ontario from January to March 2025 compared to the previous year, though the province still recorded 653 suspect drug-related fatalities during this period. The company also recently received Health Canada's approval for KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray 8 mg, demonstrating its continued commitment to addressing the opioid crisis.
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) ha firmato un accordo triennale del valore di circa 65 milioni di dollari con il Ministero della Salute dell'Ontario per fornire il NARCAN® Nasal Spray tramite il Programma Naloxone dell'Ontario (ONP). L'accordo prevede la distribuzione del farmaco per il trattamento dell'overdose da oppiacei in tutta la provincia attraverso diverse organizzazioni comunitarie.
NARCAN® è l'unico spray intranasale da 4 mg di naloxone in Canada con una durata di conservazione di 48 mesi. Dati recenti mostrano un calo del 30% nei decessi per overdose in Ontario da gennaio a marzo 2025 rispetto all'anno precedente, anche se la provincia ha registrato comunque 653 sospetti decessi correlati a droghe in questo periodo. L'azienda ha inoltre recentemente ottenuto l'approvazione da Health Canada per il KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray da 8 mg, confermando il suo impegno continuo nella lotta alla crisi degli oppiacei.
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) ha asegurado un acuerdo de tres años por aproximadamente 65 millones de dólares con el Ministerio de Salud de Ontario para suministrar el NARCAN® Nasal Spray a través del Programa de Naloxona de Ontario (ONP). El acuerdo tiene como objetivo distribuir el medicamento para revertir sobredosis de opioides en toda Ontario mediante diversas organizaciones comunitarias.
NARCAN® es el único spray intranasal de naloxona de 4 mg en Canadá con una vida útil de 48 meses. Datos recientes muestran una disminución del 30% en muertes por sobredosis en Ontario de enero a marzo de 2025 en comparación con el año anterior, aunque la provincia aún registró 653 muertes sospechosas relacionadas con drogas durante este período. La compañía también recibió recientemente la aprobación de Health Canada para el KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray de 8 mg, demostrando su continuo compromiso para abordar la crisis de los opioides.
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS)는 온타리오 보건부와 약 6500만 달러 규모의 3년 계약을 체결하여 온타리오 날록손 프로그램(ONP)을 통해 NARCAN® 비강 스프레이를 공급합니다. 이 계약은 다양한 지역 사회 단체를 통해 온타리오 전역에 오피오이드 과다복용 해독제를 배포하는 것을 목표로 합니다.
NARCAN®은 캐나다에서 유일한 4mg 비강용 날록손 스프레이로, 48개월의 유효기간을 자랑합니다. 최근 데이터에 따르면 2025년 1월부터 3월까지 온타리오에서 전년 대비 과다복용 사망자 수가 30% 감소했으나, 이 기간 동안 여전히 653건의 의심 약물 관련 사망이 보고되었습니다. 또한 회사는 최근 Health Canada로부터 8mg KLOXXADO® 비강 스프레이 승인을 받아 오피오이드 위기 대응에 지속적으로 기여하고 있음을 보여줍니다.
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE : EBS) a conclu un accord de trois ans d'une valeur d'environ 65 millions de dollars avec le ministère de la Santé de l'Ontario pour fournir le NARCAN® Nasal Spray via le Programme de naloxone de l'Ontario (ONP). Cet accord vise à distribuer ce médicament de renversement des overdoses d'opioïdes à travers l'Ontario via diverses organisations communautaires.
NARCAN® est le seul spray nasal de naloxone à 4 mg au Canada avec une durée de conservation de 48 mois. Les données récentes montrent une baisse de 30 % des décès par overdose en Ontario entre janvier et mars 2025 par rapport à l'année précédente, bien que la province ait enregistré 653 décès suspects liés à la drogue durant cette période. L'entreprise a également récemment obtenu l'approbation de Santé Canada pour le spray nasal KLOXXADO® à 8 mg, témoignant de son engagement continu à lutter contre la crise des opioïdes.
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) hat einen Dreijahresvertrag im Wert von etwa 65 Millionen US-Dollar mit dem Gesundheitsministerium von Ontario abgeschlossen, um das NARCAN® Nasenspray über das Ontario Naloxon-Programm (ONP) zu liefern. Ziel der Vereinbarung ist die Verteilung des Medikaments zur Umkehrung von Opioid-Überdosierungen in ganz Ontario über verschiedene gemeindebasierte Organisationen.
NARCAN® ist das einzige 4 mg intranasale Naloxon-Spray in Kanada mit einer Haltbarkeit von 48 Monaten. Aktuelle Daten zeigen einen 30%igen Rückgang der Überdosierungs-Todesfälle in Ontario von Januar bis März 2025 im Vergleich zum Vorjahr, obwohl die Provinz in diesem Zeitraum weiterhin 653 mutmaßliche drogenbedingte Todesfälle verzeichnete. Das Unternehmen erhielt zudem kürzlich die Zulassung von Health Canada für das 8 mg KLOXXADO® Nasenspray, was sein anhaltendes Engagement im Kampf gegen die Opioidkrise unterstreicht.
- Secured $65 million contract with Ontario Ministry of Health for up to three years
- Product has longest shelf life (48 months) among intranasal naloxone sprays in Canada
- Recent Health Canada approval for new KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray 8 mg product
- Continuing successful partnership with Ontario Ministry of Health since 2018
- None.
Insights
Emergent secures $65M contract with Ontario for NARCAN, providing stable revenue stream and reinforcing market position in opioid emergency response.
This new $65 million maximum three-year agreement with Ontario's Ministry of Health represents meaningful recurring revenue for Emergent BioSolutions. The contract provides Emergent with revenue visibility through 2028, assuming the full term is reached, for their NARCAN® Nasal Spray, the only 4mg intranasal naloxone with a 48-month shelf life in Canada.
The continuation of this relationship, which began in 2018, indicates strong customer satisfaction and product reliability in addressing opioid emergencies. While the press release doesn't specify if this represents an increase from previous contract values, the renewal itself demonstrates sustained demand and government confidence in Emergent's product.
The agreement enhances Emergent's position in Canada's emergency response market. The mention of Health Canada's recent approval of KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray 8mg indicates portfolio expansion in their opioid emergency response product line, though commercialization timelines aren't specified.
The Ontario contract ensures widespread distribution through multiple channels, including public health units, outreach programs, hospitals, and community health centers, creating extensive market penetration for Emergent's product. With Ontario data showing 653 suspected drug-related fatalities in Q1 2025 (7 daily deaths), despite a 30% year-over-year decrease, the ongoing public health challenge suggests sustained demand for naloxone products.
Ontario's $65M commitment to NARCAN shows serious investment in harm reduction despite encouraging 30% reduction in overdose deaths.
Ontario's new agreement with Emergent demonstrates substantial financial commitment to opioid harm reduction strategies. The $65 million maximum three-year contract for NARCAN® Nasal Spray represents significant public health investment during a period when many governments are reducing healthcare expenditures.
The data showing a 30% decrease in overdose deaths compared to last year suggests existing interventions may be having positive effects. However, with 653 suspected drug-related fatalities in just Q1 2025 (averaging 7 deaths daily), the crisis clearly remains acute and warrants continued aggressive intervention.
The extensive distribution network outlined in the agreement – including public health units, outreach programs, hospital departments, first responders, and community health centers – indicates a comprehensive public health approach rather than a narrowly targeted one. This broad distribution strategy acknowledges that opioid emergencies occur across diverse populations and settings.
NARCAN's 48-month shelf life represents an important logistical advantage for public health planners, reducing replacement frequency and potentially lowering program costs over time. The Ministry's continued investment in a product with these specifications suggests attention to both clinical efficacy and program sustainability considerations.
Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones' statement emphasizes the government's commitment to providing timely access to treatment, positioning this agreement as part of a broader public health framework rather than an isolated intervention.
Agreement will facilitate widespread distribution of NARCAN® Nasal Spray throughout Ontario
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) announced a maximum three-year agreement with a value of approximately
From January through March 2025, there were 653 suspect drug-related fatalities in Ontario, which is an average of 7 lives lost per day.1 Data show a promising 30 per cent decrease in overdose deaths from the same period last year.2 Opioid poisonings continue to be a significant threat, and therefore, greater access to life-saving medications, such as NARCAN® Nasal Spray, remain critically important.
"This agreement marks another important step in Emergent's ongoing commitment to addressing opioid poisoning deaths in Canada," said Paul Williams, SVP and products business head, Emergent. "We applaud the Ontario Ministry of Health for their commitment to continuing to ensure access to intranasal naloxone to meet demand. By providing Ontario with NARCAN® Nasal Spray, we continue to put this life-saving tool in the hands of more people who will now be ready to act in an opioid emergency when every minute counts."
As part of the contract, Emergent will supply the ONP with NARCAN® Nasal Spray to distribute across the province to individuals at risk of opioid overdose, and their friends and family via participating community-based organizations, including public health units, outreach programs, hospital emergency departments, urgent care and inpatient units, first responders, community health centers and more.
"Our government is helping more people get the treatment and support they need, when and where they need it,” said Sylvia Jones, Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “The Ontario Naloxone Program provides people at risk of opioid overdose with access to lifesaving naloxone. We’re pleased to continue working with Emergent to provide intranasal naloxone to those at risk of opioid poisoning and to community members who may have a loved one at risk."
This announcement follows Health Canada's recent approval of KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray 8 mg. Emergent remains committed to bolstering the nation’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. Learn more about Emergent’s commitment in Canada via this National Impact Map resource.
About NARCAN® Nasal Spray
NARCAN® Nasal Spray is a pure opioid antagonist indicated for emergency use to reverse known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or severe central nervous system depression.
While NARCAN® Nasal Spray can be administered by a non-health care professional, it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always call 911 as soon as an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering NARCAN® Nasal Spray.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Important Safety Information for KLOXXADO® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray 8 mg
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to naloxone hydrochloride or to any of the other ingredients in KLOXXADO®
Warnings and Precautions
- KLOXXADO® is used in adults to treat an opioid overdose. It can be used to reverse the effects of an
- overdose until medical help arrives. Use KLOXXADO® right away if you suspect an opioid overdose emergency, even if you are not sure, because an opioid overdose emergency can cause severe injury or death. Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose may include:
- trouble breathing or not breathing
- extreme drowsiness
- pale and clammy skin
- slow or no heartbeat
- passing out
- unable to be woken up by touch, shaking of shoulders or shouting
- Very small pupils, like a pinpoint
- Family members, caregivers or other people who may have to use KLOXXADO® in an opioid overdose emergency should know where KLOXXADO® is stored and how to give KLOXXADO® before an opioid overdose emergency happens.
- Always seek immediate medical help when using KLOXXADO®. Rescue breathing or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) may be needed while waiting for emergency medical help.
- The signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose emergency can return after KLOXXADO® is given. If this happens, give another dose after 2 to 3 minutes, using a new KLOXXADO® device, in the other nostril, and watch the person closely until emergency medical help arrives.
- Do not use KLOXXADO® if you are allergic to naloxone hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in KLOXXADO®.
- KLOXXADO® can cause sudden and severe opioid withdrawal, the symptoms of which may include body aches, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, fever, runny nose, sneezing, goosebumps, sweating, yawning, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, restlessness or irritability, shivering or trembling, stomach cramps, weakness and high blood pressure.
- KLOXXADO® is not indicated for pediatric use. In an emergency, if KLOXXADO® is administered to an infant because no other options are available, they may experience additional withdrawal symptoms such as: seizures, crying more than usual and overactive reflexes. These symptoms may be life-threatening if not treated right away. If KLOXXADO® is given to an infant, seek immediate medical help.
- Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions before using KLOXXADO®, including if you have heart disease or any other heart problems, are pregnant or think you are pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
- Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take, including any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements and alternative medicines.
Side Effects
The following side effects are discussed in the full Patient Medication Information for KLOXXADO®:
- Body aches, stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fever
- Runny nose, sneezing
- Goosebumps, shivering or trembling
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Nausea or vomiting
- Nervousness
- Restlessness or irritability
- High blood pressure
Infants may have seizures, cry more than normal and have overactive reflexes.
Some people may become aggressive after abrupt reversal of opioid overdose.
In two clinical studies, a total of 47 healthy adult volunteers were exposed to a single dose of KLOXXADO®, one spray in one nostril. Side effects were reported in two subjects for each of the following: abdominal pain, asthenia, dizziness, headache, nasal discomfort, and presyncope. These are not all of the possible side effects of KLOXXADO®. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Pregnancy, Infancy and Breastfeeding, Children
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you are pregnant. Use of KLOXXADO® may cause distress to you and your unborn baby. A healthcare provider should monitor you and your unborn baby right away after you use KLOXXADO®.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if KLOXXADO® passes into breast milk.
If the primary concern is an infant at risk of an overdose, consider whether other naloxone-containing products may be more appropriate.
Dosage and Administration
Do not attempt to prime or test-fire the device. Each KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray contains only 1 dose of medicine and cannot be reused. Read the "instructions for use" at the end of the Patient Medication Information and Medication Guide for detailed information about the right way to use KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray.
Storage and Handling
Store KLOXXADO® at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Do not freeze KLOXXADO®. KLOXXADO® freezes at temperatures below -15°C. If this happens, KLOXXADO® may be thawed by allowing it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. It may still be used if it has been thawed after being frozen.
Keep KLOXXADO® in its box until ready to use. Protect from light. Replace KLOXXADO® before the expiration date on the box. Keep KLOXXADO® and all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, which you can find on our website at www.kloxxado.com.
- To report an adverse event or product complaint, please contact us at us.hikma@primevigilance.com or call 1-877-845-0689 or 1-800-962-8364.
- Adverse events may also be reported to the FDA directly at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
KLOXXADO® is a registered trademark of Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
About Emergent BioSolutions
At Emergent, our mission is to protect and save lives. For over 25 years, we’ve been at work preparing those entrusted with protecting public health. We deliver protective and life-saving solutions for health threats like smallpox, mpox, botulism, Ebola, anthrax and opioid overdose emergencies. To learn more about how we help prepare communities around the world for today’s health challenges and tomorrow’s threats, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the three-year agreement to supply NARCAN® Nasal Spray to ONP, are forward-looking statements. We generally identify forward-looking statements by using words like “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “position,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions or variations thereof, or the negative thereof, but these terms are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our current intentions, beliefs and expectations regarding future events based on information that is currently available. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statements will be accurate. Readers should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or if known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from our expectations. Readers are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events or circumstances.
There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by any forward-looking statements. Readers should consider this cautionary statement, as well as the risk factors and other disclosures included in our periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, when evaluating our forward-looking statements.
Investor Contact:
Richard S. Lindahl
Executive Vice President, CFO
lindahlr@ebsi.com
Media Contact:
Assal Hellmer
Vice President, Communications
mediarelations@ebsi.com
1https://odprn.ca/occ-opioid-and-suspect-drug-related-death-data/
2https://odprn.ca/occ-opioid-and-suspect-drug-related-death-data/
FAQ
What is the value of Emergent BioSolutions' (EBS) contract with Ontario Ministry of Health?
How long is the shelf life of NARCAN® Nasal Spray in Canada?
What was the impact of opioid-related deaths in Ontario during Q1 2025?
Where will NARCAN® Nasal Spray be distributed in Ontario under this agreement?
What new product approval did Emergent BioSolutions recently receive in Canada?
