A nasal spray developed to treat life-threatening allergic reactions could be available next year.
Called Neffy, it offers a needle-free alternative to the EpiPen used by those at risk of potentially fatal anaphylaxis to inject themselves with adrenaline.
Research shows the spray, recently approved in the EU and US, is just as effective at stopping dangerous allergic reactions.
The first-of-its-kind product could benefit millions with severe food allergies – particularly young children, who may struggle to use an EpiPen.
Studies suggest that one in three people in the UK who require EpiPens fail to carry one with them when they are out and about. There have also been shortages 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 she had an allergic reaction at Costa Coffee
Last month, a London coroner’s court heard how 13-year-old Hannah Jacobs died after she had an allergic reaction at Costa Coffee.
Neither Hannah nor her mother were carrying an EpiPen and the pharmacist they rushed to when she began to deteriorate did not have the correct dose of adrenaline due to nationwide shortages.
Neffy also has a longer shelf-life than adrenaline injections, according to ARS Pharma, the US developer of the drug, which expects it to be available in the UK by the middle of next year.
Experts say rolling out Neffy on the NHS could relieve the anxiety many patients have about EpiPens – and may even save lives.
Professor Adam Fox, of the Evelina children’s hospital in Westminster, central London, said: ‘A significant proportion of patients are reluctant to use adrenaline. When they suffer an allergic reaction, they may hesitate, which can be dangerous.
Experts say rolling out Neffy on the NHS could relieve the anxiety many patients have about EpiPens – and may even save lives (stock photo)
‘For some, this will mean they get earlier treatment and therefore have a better reaction. Some kids I’ve spoken with are really excited by this.’
More than 13 million Britons have food allergies – twice as many as a decade ago. Under-fives are at most risk, with four per cent affected, compared with one per cent of adults.
EpiPens inject a dose of the artificial adrenaline epinephrine to counteract the most dangerous allergy symptoms, such as swelling, itching and difficulty breathing. Neffy also contains epinephrine, but it is sprayed into the nose instead.