A simple nasal spray may replace the need for auto-injectors for those facing severe allergies. The nasal spray, called Neffy, has been approved for adults and pediatric patients who weigh at least 30 kilograms, approximately 66 lbs. CHRIM researcher and allergy-expert Dr. Jennifer Protudjer says this will be a game-changer for some: “The hope is that people who are afraid of needles or have a needle phobia can use this product instead, when facing a severe allergic reaction.” Other benefits to Neffy include a longer shelf life. Auto-injectors like the Epi-Pen are said to be safe to use for approximately 12 months, whereas the new nasal spray will last for nearly two and a half years.
Protudjer says drug improvements like this will help thousands of families. “In Canada, about two percent of kids have a peanut allergy. Overwhelmingly, we’ve seen an increase in food allergy over the past few decades. We estimate that seven to eight percent of kids now have food allergy, which amounts to around two kids per classroom.” There is no price point yet for Neffy, but the drug company says it will likely be available by this summer. Click below to hear more from Dr. Protudjer.