Nasal spray developed to treat life-threatening allergic reactions as needle-free alternative to EpiPens could be available next year
A nasal spray developed to treat life-threatening allergic reactions could be available next year.
The drug is called Neffy and is a needle-free alternative to the EpiPen, which people at risk of potentially fatal anaphylaxis use to inject themselves with adrenaline.
Research shows that the spray, which was recently approved in the EU and the US, is just as effective in stopping dangerous allergic reactions.
The first-of-its-kind product could help millions of people with severe food allergies, especially young children, who may have difficulty using an EpiPen.
Studies suggest that one in three people in the UK who need EpiPens do not have one with them when they are out and about, and there has also been a shortage of adrenaline over the past five years.
A nasal spray developed to treat life-threatening allergic reactions could be available next year (stock photo)
13-year-old Hannah Jacobs (pictured) died in 2022 after suffering an allergic reaction to Costa Coffee
Last month, a coroner in London heard how 13-year-old Hannah Jacobs died after suffering an allergic reaction to Costa Coffee.
Neither Hannah nor her mother had an EpiPen with them, and the pharmacist they went to when her condition began to deteriorate did not have the correct dose of epinephrine due to a national shortage.
According to ARS Pharma, the US developer of the drug, Neffy also has a longer shelf life than adrenaline injections. The company expects the drug to be available in the UK by the middle of next year.
According to experts, introducing Neffy into the NHS could help alleviate the fears many patients have about EpiPens, and even save lives.
Professor Adam Fox, from the Evelina Children’s Hospital in Westminster, central London, said: ‘A significant proportion of patients are reluctant to use adrenaline. If they have an allergic reaction they may hesitate, which can be dangerous.
Experts say rolling out Neffy on the NHS could ease the fears many patients have about EpiPens – and even save lives (stock photo)
“For some, this means they get treatment earlier and respond better. Some of the children I’ve spoken to are very excited about this.”
More than 13 million Britons have food allergies – twice as many as a decade ago. Children under five are most at risk, at four per cent, compared with one per cent of adults.
EpiPens inject a dose of the artificial adrenaline epinephrine to help treat the most dangerous allergy symptoms, such as swelling, itching and difficulty breathing. Neffy also contains epinephrine, but it is injected into the nose.