Former US Surgeon General Calls for Stronger Overdose Reversal Tools and Policies Amid Opioid Crisis

Former US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams is sounding the alarm over proposed funding cuts that could undermine progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

Writing in an opinion piece for CNN, Adams warned that the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which experts say will reduce Medicaid coverage for millions, combined with a proposed elimination of $56 million in funding for overdose reversal training and distribution, threatens to roll back hard-earned gains in reducing overdose deaths.

Adams noted that while overdose deaths dropped in 2024 to their lowest level in five years, synthetic opioids like fentanyl still caused more than half of the more than 80,000 deaths nationwide. Fentanyl, which is up to 100 times more potent than heroin, often requires multiple doses of naloxone, the primary reversal drug, to revive patients.

Citing research from Dr. Mark Gold at Washington University, Adams highlighted newer reversal options such as nasal nalmefene, which acts faster and lasts longer than naloxone, reducing the risk of “renarcotization.” However, medical experts caution that nalmefene may bring its own risks, including severe withdrawal symptoms, which require careful monitoring.

He stressed the importance of continued funding for research into advanced tools like Compound 368, which increases naloxone’s effectiveness, and covalent naloxone nanoparticles (cNLX-NP), which can maintain protection for 48 hours.

Adams also pointed to international strategies, such as restricting access to precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production, stronger border controls, and education for both first responders and the public.

“The rise of fentanyl-laced stimulants has turned non-opioid drug use into a lethal risk,” Adams wrote. “Protecting Medicaid and overdose prevention funding is critical to sustaining progress in the fight against opioid overdose deaths.”

Credit: CNN Newsource

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