Golden State Today

California is set to purchase CalRx-branded over-the-counter naloxone for $24, almost half of the current market price. Governor Newsom announced the partnership with Amneal Pharmaceuticals, allowing for a significant reduction in the cost of the life-saving medication. The move aims to make naloxone more affordable and accessible for Californians, especially for those in need.

Governor Newsom highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “California is disrupting the drug industry with CalRx — securing life-saving drugs at lower and transparent prices. As we continue the effort to bring $30 insulin to the market, the state is now set to purchase life-saving naloxone for almost half of the current market price — maximizing taxpayer dollars and saving more lives with this miracle drug.”

The Naloxone Distribution Project in California has already saved hundreds of thousands of lives by distributing millions of naloxone kits. With the new partnership and reduced pricing, the state can purchase even more twin-packs of naloxone, further enhancing its efforts to combat opioid overdoses.

The CalRx Naloxone Access Initiative is part of Governor Newsom's broader strategy to address the opioid crisis. The Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis aims to support overdose prevention efforts and hold accountable those responsible for the crisis.

The announcement also aligns with California's goal of making healthcare more affordable and accessible for all residents. The statewide health care spending target of 3% approved by the Office of Health Care Affordability signifies a critical step in Governor Newsom's ongoing efforts to improve healthcare affordability.

Overall, California's CalRx Program is working towards disrupting the pharmaceutical industry to save lives and make essential medications more affordable. The state's commitment to providing access to life-saving drugs like naloxone underscores its dedication to the well-being of its residents.