neffy (epinephrine nasal spray) is now available by prescription across the US for patients and caregivers, according to ARS Pharmaceuticals.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Needle-Free Administration: The nasal spray provides a noninvasive alternative to traditional epinephrine auto-injectors, which may reduce treatment hesitancy caused by needle phobia.
- Broad US Availability: The 2 mg dose is now available by prescription at national retail pharmacies for adults and children weighing at least 30 kg.
- Enhanced Access Programs: Financial assistance options include a $25 co-pay for eligible commercially insured patients and a $199 cash price for those without insurance coverage.
neffy (epinephrine nasal spray) is now available by prescription across the US for patients and caregivers, according to ARS Pharmaceuticals.
The FDA approved the 2 mg dose for the treatment of Type I allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in adults and children who weigh at least 30 kg.
The treatment is the first and only needle-free epinephrine option available to the severe allergy community. “The introduction of neffy as the first and only needle-free treatment option for patients and caregivers living with severe allergic reactions marks a turning point for ARS Pharmaceuticals and the severe allergy community,” said Eric Karas, chief commercial officer of ARS Pharmaceuticals, in a news release.
Addressing Treatment Hesitancy
Approximately 40 million people in the US experience Type I severe allergic reactions to food, venom, or insect stings, according to the press release. However, only 3.3 million currently have an active epinephrine auto-injector prescription. Among those with a prescription, only half consistently carry their device, and many delay or fail to administer treatment during an emergency due to needle phobia or device complexity.
“neffy changes the paradigm when it comes to treatment options for patients and families living with severe allergic reactions — and the way in which healthcare providers practice,” said Carlos Camargo, MD, professor of emergency medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, in a news release. “Epinephrine auto-injectors have needles and this can be intimidating for patients. This can lead to hesitancy in carrying and in using the life-saving devices, and often results in patients failing to treat before seeking emergency medical assistance.”
Patient Access and Future Indications
To support patient access, the company launched neffyConnect in partnership with the online pharmacy BlinkRx. Eligible commercially insured patients can receive two single-use devices for a $25 co-pay. For patients whose insurance does not cover the product or those without insurance, the company offers a cash price of $199 for two devices. A patient assistance program is also available for those who qualify.
“Now that people can begin using neffy, we are looking forward to seeing how it positively impacts up to 40 million people in the US who experience severe allergic reactions,” said Richard Lowenthal, co-founder, president, and CEO of ARS Pharmaceuticals, in a news release.
The company has also submitted a supplemental New Drug Application to the FDA for a 1 mg dose intended for pediatric patients weighing between 15 and 30 kg. Additionally, the European Commission approved the product under the trade name EURneffy in August 2024 for use in the European Union.
