The city of Zürich is taking proactive steps to combat a potential fentanyl crisis, inspired by the devastating opioid epidemic in the United States.

Local pharmacist John Fröhlich has developed a naloxone nasal spray, a life-saving antidote for opioid overdoses.

While naloxone is not yet approved in Switzerland, Zürich has ordered 1,000 sprays as part of an emergency plan.

These sprays, which can be administered even while lying down, are designed to temporarily reverse overdoses until medical help arrives.

Authorities are also implementing broader measures, including drug monitoring, rapid testing, and public awareness campaigns, to prevent fentanyl from gaining a foothold.

Zürich’s approach builds on lessons from its 1990s drug crisis, aiming to avoid the tragic scenes of that era.

Experts emphasize that naloxone alone won’t solve the problem, but it’s a critical tool in a comprehensive strategy to protect public health.