*By Christian Smith*
After an overdose earlier this week, Demi Lovato's life was reportedly saved by Narcan, a nasal administrator of naloxone that counteracts the effects of opioids. When administered quicklyーthrough either nasal mist or injectionーnaloxone can temporarily halt an overdose, allowing EMTs enough time to respond. The medication is available without a prescription in 49 states, and the generic version costs about $20 per dose.
But all merits aside, is the drug's accessibility enabling addicts to push their limits?
Dr. Roger Crystal, the lead inventor of Narcan and CEO of Opiant Pharmaceuticals, says there's little evidence to support that concern.
"Addiction like any kind of chronic disease is something you can control using better medication, but ultimately you can't cure," Crystal told Cheddar. "To think about an opioid addict behaving rationally and saying, 'well because I have access to Narcan I'll shoot more heroin, inject more heroin' there's no proof for that whatsoever."
Naloxone is considered some of the best ammunition on the front lines of America's growing opioid epidemic. A reported 2 million Americans have an addition to opioidsーand the number isn't going down. U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams [issued an advisory](https://www.surgeongeneral.gov/priorities/opioid-overdose-prevention/naloxone-advisory.html) in April urging anyoneーand their close family and friendsーwho uses painkillers, heroin, fentanyl, or other opioids to carry naloxone in case of an emergency.
Crystal isn't stopping at Narcan: he told Cheddar he's also developing a heroin vaccine, suggesting the inventor has lofty ambitions for the future of overdose prevention.
Although Crystal may be aware of lingering ethical concerns, he doesn't think they dwarf his mission. After all, Lovato has him to thank.
"Putting it in the hands of everyone and anyone is critical," Crystal said.
For more on this story, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/how-one-pharmaceutical-company-is-fighting-the-opioid-epidemic).
Dr. Frida Polli, founder and CEO of Pymetrics, explains how her website is helping people find their dream jobs. Pymetrics uses A.I. and machine learning to match people with jobs.
Sara Chodosh, assistant editor at PopSci, talks about the 2017-2018 flu season, widely regarded as one of the worst since the 2009 swine flu epidemic.
Cody Gough, podcast host for Curiosity.com, cooks up some surprising statistics about Super Bowl food and explains why daydreaming might be good for you.
Dina Fine Maron, editor of Health & Science Medicine at Scientific American, discusses the news that Chinese scientists recently cloned two monkeys, raising questions about the practice.
Harvard Business Review recently launched a brand new podcast. The six-episode "Women at Work" podcast explores women's place in the workplace. Grammy Awards are returning to New York City. Starbucks and Intel announce earnings. Actor Jake Johnson is teaming up with Natural Light for a new Super Bowl campaign. President Trump wraps the first day of a summit with world leaders in Davos. Reports reveal CBS and Viacom are talking about a merger. Robbinhood will let you buy and sell crypto without any transaction fees.
Tanya Lewis, assistant editor at Scientific American, discusses the new tax the Trump administration recently placed on imported solar panels. She weighs in on what the decision means for the U.S. economy and for the consumer.
Snapchat's VP of Product Tom Conrad is leaving the social media company after two years. Kroger and Alibaba are reportedly discussing a potential partnership.
Meryl Streep joins the cast of Big Little Lies." The White House announces it will roll out immigration Framework. Cheddar speaks with Danica Patrick about how she is readying for this race and life after Nascar. President Trump announces new tariffs on imported solar panels and washing machines. Burger King releases a net neutrality commercial. Hewlett Packard's CEO announcers her new venture.
The European Union fines Qualcomm for allegedly violating antitrust laws. Starbucks and Disney announce pay raises and better employee benefits thanks to savings from the new tax reform bill. We talk to the directors behind the newest Netflix series, "Dirty Money," premiering this Friday, January 26th. And Brett Holts, VP of Nike Running Footwear, introduces Nike's newest sneaker, the Epic React Flyknit.
Brett Holts, Vice President of Nike Running Footwear, introduces Nike's newest sneaker, the Epic React Flyknit. The new shoe features a brand new foam compound.
