FDA approves needle-free nasal spray for allergic reactions

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ARS Pharmaceuticals’ new nasal spray, neffy, as an alternative to the traditional EpiPen for emergency allergic reactions. This approval marks the first needle-free treatment for potentially fatal allergic reactions.
Key Details
- Product Overview
- Name: Neffy
- Form: Nasal spray
- Use: Single-dose spray administered into one nostril
- Target Users: Approved for both adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 30 kilograms
- Availability and Pricing
- Expected Release: Within eight weeks of FDA approval
- Price: $199 for two doses through digital pharmacy sites like BlinkRx and GoodRx for uninsured patients
- Co-Pay Savings: Some commercially insured patients can obtain neffy for $25 per prescription through a co-pay savings program
- Benefits and Accessibility
- Needle-Free: Offers a non-injection alternative to EpiPen and other autoinjectors filled with epinephrine
- Reduced Barriers: Aims to make treatment more accessible for those who fear needles, particularly children
- Medical Context
- Condition: Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that affects multiple parts of the body and requires immediate medical attention.
Kelly Stone, an associate director at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, highlighted that the nasal spray could help overcome reluctance to use injectable treatments, potentially improving access to life-saving medication.