A nasal spray developed to treat life-threatening allergic reactions could be available as early as 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 of people with severe food allergies, particularly young children, who may have difficulty using an EpiPen.
Studies suggest that one in three people in the UK who need EpiPens do not carry one with them when they are out and about. 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 (file photo)
Hannah Jacobs, 13 (pictured), died in 2022 after having an allergic reaction to Costa Coffee.
Last month, a London coroner’s court heard how 13-year-old Hannah Jacobs died after having an allergic reaction to Costa Coffee.
Neither Hannah nor her mother had an EpiPen and the pharmacist they went to when her condition began to deteriorate did not have the correct dose of adrenaline due to a nationwide shortage.
Neffy also has a longer shelf life than adrenaline injections, according to ARS Pharma, the drug’s US developer, which expects it to be available in the UK by the middle of next year.
Experts say the rollout of Neffy on the NHS could ease the anxiety many patients have about EpiPens, and could even save lives.
Professor Adam Fox, from Evelina Westminster Children’s Hospital in central London, said: “A significant proportion of patients are reluctant to use adrenaline. When they have an allergic reaction, they can be hesitant, which can be dangerous.
Experts say the introduction of Neffy into the NHS could ease the anxiety many patients feel about EpiPens, and could even save lives (file photo)
“For some, this will mean they will receive treatment earlier and therefore have a better response. Some children I have spoken to are very excited about this.”
More than 13 million Britons suffer from food allergies, twice as many as a decade ago. Under-fives are most at risk: 4% of them are affected, compared with 1% of adults.
EpiPens inject a dose of artificial adrenaline (epinephrine) to counteract the most dangerous allergy symptoms, such as swelling, itching and difficulty breathing. Neffy also contains epinephrine, but is sprayed into the nose.