The companies behind the opioid overdose antidote Narcan donated 4,000 doses to Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's opioid overdose task force Thursday. with an additional 1,000 doses scheduled to be donated to the McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition Friday.
Dublin, Ireland-based drugmaker Adapt Pharma and Crystal Lake, Ill.-based drug delivery device provider AptarGroup collaborated to develop Narcan, a lifesaving nasal spray that can be administered by individuals without any specialized medical training.
"This product is a life-saver," Mr. Rauner said Thursday. "We will continue to fight the root causes of this epidemic, but meanwhile, this generous donation is most welcome and appreciated."
Nearly 1,950 people died of an opioid overdose in Illinois in 2016, marking an 82 percent surge in three years.
"Lives in our community are impacted on a daily basis, and we are excited that Aptar recognizes the epidemic in their home community," said Jason Sterwerf, chairman of the McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition. "The McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition is honored that Aptar is making a commitment to continue to make this intervention tool available for our community partners who confront this epidemic every day."
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