Press release
August 31, 2026
Emergent BioSolutions Reinforces Commitment to Opioid Overdose Education and Preparedness on International Overdose Awareness Day
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (EBS)
Ready to Rescue campaign returns to U.S. college campuses with Release Recovery Founder and CEO Zac Clark Partnership with professional baseball player Davis Schneider seeks to raise awareness of opioid poisoning preparedness across Canada
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) is reaffirming its commitment to expanding awareness of opioid overdose risks and increasing preparedness to help save lives. According to the World Health Organization, opioids are associated with nearly 80 percent of drug-related deaths worldwide, highlighting the continued need for education, preparedness and access to life-saving interventions.i As opioid overdose remains a significant global public health challenge, Emergent is focused on empowering people with the information and tools needed to act in the event of an opioid overdose emergency.
“Today is a reminder of the lives lost to opioid overdoses and serves as a key moment to stand with the families, friends and communities affected by this ongoing public health crisis,” said Paul Williams, senior vice president, head of products business, global government and public affairs at Emergent BioSolutions. “While progress has been made, more work remains. By expanding access, awareness and availability to NARCAN® Nasal Spray 4 mg and KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray 8 mg we can help more people recognize an opioid emergency and be prepared to act when every second counts.”
As part of these efforts, Emergent’s Ready to Rescue campaign will continue its collaboration with Release Recovery and its founder and CEO, Zac Clark, by visiting college campuses across the U.S. this fall. At these events, students, faculty and staff will hear Zac’s personal story, his ongoing work with Emergent and how to use life-saving naloxone. Through these events, Ready to Rescue will raise awareness about opioid emergencies and encourage everyone to carry NARCAN® Nasal Spray and be prepared to respond in an opioid emergency.
“As someone who has personally struggled with opioid dependency, I know that opioid overdose emergencies do not discriminate,” said Zac Clark, Founder and CEO of Release Recovery. “My own experience has fueled my passion for helping others and is one of the reasons I’m so proud of the work we do with the Ready to Rescue campaign. By continuing these conversations on college campuses, we can empower the next generation to carry NARCAN® Nasal Spray and be prepared to help save a life.”
NARCAN® Nasal Spray became the first U.S. FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone product to rapidly reverse known or suspected opioid overdoses in 2023. The same year, the U.S. saw its first of three consecutive annual declines in opioid overdose deaths,ii which experts believe is in part due to OTC naloxone access. In Canada, the opioid crisis continues to have a devastating toll, with an average of 15 lives lost each day to opioid poisonings, totaling more than 53,000 nationwide since 2016.iii To address the challenges of the Canadian crisis and break down the stigma, Emergent is continuing its partnership with professional baseball player Davis Schneider, whose involvement is deeply personal.
“My older brother Steven has inspired me to be kind to others and lead by example. As a registered nurse, brother and friend, he always showed up for others with compassion,” said Davis Schneider. “Losing him to an opioid overdose was a devastating loss for our family. That’s why I’m honored to partner with Emergent to raise awareness of opioid emergency preparedness and the importance of carrying NARCAN® Nasal Spray. Being prepared to act in a moment of crisis can mean the difference between life and loss.”
Davis Schneider is featured on the newly released episode of Emergent’s Countermeasures podcast alongside Dr. Bonnie Milas, Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania to help further educate the public on opioid overdose risks.
NARCAN® Nasal Spray, when used as directed, can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes when administered promptly and followed by emergency medical assistance. By recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose, such as slowed or stopped breathing, pinpoint-sized pupils, unresponsiveness, or pale and clammy skin, and acting quickly with NARCAN® Nasal Spray, anyone can be prepared to help save a life.
Visit ReadytoRescue.com for educational resources about opioid emergency preparedness and learn more about NARCAN® Nasal Spray at NARCAN.com (U.S.) and NARCANNasalSpray.ca (Canada).
Zac Clark and Davis Schneider are paid spokespeople for Emergent.
About NARCAN® Nasal Spray
NARCAN® Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg is the first FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) 4 mg naloxone product for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Repeat dosing may be necessary. Use as directed.
Indication and Important Safety Information for KLOXXADO® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray 8 mg
What is KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray?
• KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of an opioid emergency such as an overdose or a possible opioid overdose in adults and children with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond.
• KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray is to be given right away and does not take the place of emergency medical care.
• Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray, even if the person wakes up.
What is the most important information I should know about KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray?
Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray. The signs and symptoms of an opioid emergency can return after KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray is given. If this happens, give another dose after 2 to 3 minutes using a new KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray and watch the person closely until emergency help is received.
The medicine in KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray is safe to use in people who are not taking opioids. KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray is not intended for self-administration.
What should I tell my healthcare provider (pharmacist or prescriber) before using KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray?
Before using KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
• have heart problems
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use of KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray may cause withdrawal symptoms in your unborn baby. Your unborn baby should be examined by a healthcare provider right away after you use KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray passes into your breast milk.
What are the possible serious side effects of KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray?
KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray may cause sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms including body aches, diarrhea, increased heart rate, fever, runny nose, sneezing, goose bumps, sweating, yawning, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, restlessness or irritability, shivering or trembling, stomach cramping, weakness, and increased blood pressure. In infants under 4 weeks old who have been receiving opioids regularly, sudden opioid withdrawal may be life-threatening if not treated the right way. Signs and symptoms include seizures, crying more than usual, and increased reflexes.
Who should not use KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray?
Do not use KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray if you are allergic to naloxone hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray.
What are the most common side effects of KLOXXADO® nasal spray?
The most common side effects of KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray in adults include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, weakness, dizziness, headache, nose (nasal) discomfort, and a feeling like you are going to faint.
These are not all of the possible side effects of KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray. Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, which includes a more complete discussion of the risks associated with KLOXXADO® Nasal Spray. Always contact your healthcare provider (pharmacist or prescriber) if you have questions or experience any side effects.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA at: 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You can also contact Hikma Specialty USA Inc. at: us.hikma@primevigilance.com or call 1-877-845-0689 or 1-800-962-8364.
Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners.
NARCAN® Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg is the first FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) 4 mg naloxone product for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Repeat dosing may be necessary. Use as directed.
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.
Investor Contact:
Richard S. Lindahl
Executive Vice President, CFO
lindahlr@ebsi.com
Media Contact:
Assal Hellmer
Vice President, Communications
mediarelations@ebsi.com
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i https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/opioid-overdose/
ii https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/releases/20260513.html
iii https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2025/12/statement-from-the-council-of-chief-medical-officers-of-health---latest-national-data-on-substance-related-harms.html