U.S. Health Officials Approve First Nasal Spray to Treat Severe Allergic Reactions

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a nasal spray to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), offering an alternative to injectable products like EpiPen. The spray, marketed as Neffy, could upend treatment for the millions of Americans with severe allergies to food and other triggers.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when the body’s immune system develops a sudden, unexpected reaction to a foreign substance. Common symptoms include hives, swelling, itching, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

The Benefits of Neffy

Neffy is intended for people who weigh at least 66 pounds and is given in a single dose sprayed into one nostril. A second dose can be given if the person’s symptoms don’t improve. The new treatment could be life-changing for people with severe food allergies, as it is:

* Needle-free
* Easy to carry
* Easy to use
* Less likely to cause accidental injections

How Neffy Works

Neffy contains epinephrine, a medication that counteracts severe allergic reactions. It is combined with a patented agent that allows it to be easily absorbed through nasal membranes.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials showed that Neffy worked about as well as injected epinephrine to boost heart rate and blood pressure, which counter severe reactions.

Other Needle-Free Epinephrine Devices

Other needle-free epinephrine devices are being developed to treat allergic reactions, including:

* Nasal sprays from Bryn Pharma and Nausus Pharma
* A needle-free auto-injector from Crossject
* An epinephrine film administered under the tongue from Aquestive Therapeutics

Availability and Cost

Neffy is expected to become available soon and will come in packs of two. The cost is expected to be comparable to auto-injectors, around $300 to $700.

Conclusion

The approval of Neffy represents a significant advancement in the treatment of severe allergic reactions. It provides a needle-free alternative to injectable products, which can be difficult to use and cause anxiety in some individuals. Neffy has the potential to improve the lives of millions of Americans with severe allergies by making treatment easier and more accessible.