FDA approves nasal spray as the first needle-free option for anaphylaxis. BNC News


August 12, 2024 Tags:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a groundbreaking nasal spray called Neffy, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of severe allergic reactions. This new spray, developed by ARS Pharmaceuticals, is the first needle-free emergency treatment for potentially life-threatening allergies, offering a much-needed alternative to traditional epinephrine auto-injectors like EpiPen.
Neffy is designed to treat anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can involve multiple body systems and require immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, and it’s estimated to cause up to 200 deaths annually. This new nasal spray provides a simpler and potentially less intimidating option for managing such emergencies.

The nasal spray is intended for both adults and children who weigh at least 66 pounds. It delivers a single dose of epinephrine, the same crucial medication used in autoinjectors, but without the need for a needle. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has welcomed this development, noting that it may help overcome some of the barriers associated with using epinephrine. For instance, children and others who fear needles might find Neffy to be a more user-friendly alternative.

Neffy’s approval comes after a series of studies involving 175 healthy adults, which measured how effectively the nasal spray delivered epinephrine compared to traditional injection methods. Although the FDA initially declined to approve the spray last year, requesting additional testing, it has now given the green light following positive recommendations from independent experts.

Richard Lowenthal, co-founder and CEO of ARS Pharmaceuticals, explained that using Neffy is straightforward. The device requires no preparation before use—much like Narcan, the nasal spray used to reverse opioid overdoses. Users simply place the device into the nostril and press the plunger, which releases the medication. The epinephrine is absorbed through the nasal mucosa, which is an advantage over traditional epinephrine delivered through a vial, as the nasal spray includes a special solvent that aids in the absorption of the medication.

While Neffy represents a major innovation in emergency allergy treatment, users should be aware of potential side effects. These include mild nasal discomfort, headaches, runny nose, nausea, moderate dizziness, vomiting, and mild throat irritation. Despite these possible effects, Neffy is expected to significantly improve access to emergency allergy treatment and provide a less daunting option for those managing severe allergies.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Alberta Health Issues Measles Alert for Southern Region, Including Calgary

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has released a public health notice following a recent spike in confirmed measles cases in southern....

U.S. Pushes to Remove Artificial Dyes from Foods by 2026

In a move aimed at improving children’s health, U.S. health officials announced plans to eliminate artificial food dyes from the....

Pandemic Delays in Cancer Screenings Show Minimal Long-Term Impact, Study finds

A new report reveals that delays in cancer screenings during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic may not have....

‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ Reimagined, Viral Trend Turned into Mental Health Movement

The iconic Ice Bucket Challenge is back — but this time, with a powerful new purpose. Students at the University....

Wyoming Abortion Bans Head to State Supreme Court for Review

Wyoming’s abortion laws are once again under legal scrutiny. On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court will hear arguments over controversial....

Measles Outbreak Grows Amid Confusion Over Vaccine Messaging

The United States is grappling with a major measles outbreak, but experts say poor communication and mixed messaging about vaccines....

Toronto's UHN Launches Strategic Global Recruitment For Top Medical Scientists Amid U.S. Cuts Jobs

Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s leading research hospital, has unveiled an ambitious global recruitment strategy aimed at positioning the....

Shingles Vaccine May Lower Dementia Risk, Study Finds

Scientists have uncovered compelling evidence linking the shingles vaccine to a reduced risk of dementia. A large-scale study conducted in....

Fungal Infections becoming Resistant to Treatment, WHO Issues Urgent Warning

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over drug-resistant fungal infections, warning that some treatments are no longer effective.....

Kennedy’s HHS Overhaul Puts Addiction Treatment At Risk

A major shakeup in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could lead to the weakening—or even elimination—of....

Deadly Fungal Superbug Candida Auris Spreads Rapidly in Hospitals

A dangerous fungal superbug, Candida auris (C. auris), is rapidly spreading in hospitals and nursing homes, raising serious public health....

Researchers in Limbo as Columbia Caves to Trump’s Demands for $400M

Columbia University is facing intense scrutiny after agreeing to strict policy changes to regain $400 million in federal funding revoked....