Mohamad-Ali Salloum is a Pharmacist and science writer. He loves simplifying science to the general public and healthcare students through words and illustrations. When he's not working, you can usually find him in the gym, reading a book, or learning a new skill.
The First Nasal Treatment for Anaphylaxis: FDA APPROVED!
Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD • August 17, 2024
Share
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly, requiring immediate medical intervention. Traditionally, epinephrine autoinjectors have been the standard of care for such emergencies. However, the recent approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a novel nasal spray, named neffy, marks a significant milestone in the management of anaphylactic reactions
What is Neffy?
Neffy (epinephrine nasal spray) is the first of its kind for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I), including anaphylaxis, in adult and pediatric patients who weigh at least 30 kilograms (approximately 66 pounds). This approval is particularly noteworthy as it introduces the first non-injectable form of epinephrine, potentially reducing barriers to rapid treatment due to needle phobia
Why Neffy was approved?
The approval of Neffy was based on four studies involving 175 healthy adults, which demonstrated that the epinephrine concentrations in the blood following administration of Neffy were comparable to those achieved with approved epinephrine injection products. Additionally, Neffy showed similar increases in blood pressure and heart rate, which are critical effects of epinephrine in treating anaphylaxis.
How is it Administered?
Neffy is administered as a single dose nasal spray into one nostril and may be given a second dose if symptoms do not improve or worsen. It is important to note that certain nasal conditions, such as nasal polyps or a history of nasal surgery, may affect the absorption of Neffy. In such cases, patients are advised to consult with healthcare professionals regarding the use of injectable epinephrine products
Conclusion:
The introduction of neffy is a welcome addition to the arsenal of anaphylaxis treatments, offering a needle-free alternative that may encourage more timely administration of life-saving epinephrine. As with any new medical product, ongoing monitoring and real-world data will be essential to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of this innovative treatment option.
References :
-FDA Approves First Nasal Spray for Treatment of Anaphylaxis.
List of Services
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD
Share
Recent articles:
How modern psychotherapy, neurosciencebased interventions, and personalized medicine are reshaping addiction treatment
How substance use progresses from experimentation to compulsive addiction.
How emotional dysregulation, traumatic experiences, and chronic stress shape vulnerability to addiction.
References: Biological Psychiatry Study. HDAC5 limits expression of Scn4b and regulates drug memory formation and relapse. ScienceDaily. 2025. 1 Fang Y, Sun Y, Liu Y, et al. Neurobiological mechanisms and clinical treatment of addiction. Psychoradiology. 2022;2(4):180189. 2 Palombo P. Neurobiology of Substance Use Disorders. Springer; 2025. 3
How scientific models explain the roots and progression of addictive behavior
References: Karimpourvazifehkhorani A, Hekmati I. Habit loop in addictive behaviors formation among adolescents: The mediating role of impulsivity. Curr Psychol. 2025;44:4313–4325. Simón Márquez MM, Fernández Gea S, Molero Jurado MM, et al. Addictions and risk behaviors in adolescence: A systematic review. Front Psychol. 2025;16. Legends Recovery. The Science Behind Habit Formation and Breaking Addictive Patterns. 2025. Buabang EK, Donegan KR, Rafei P, Gillan CM. Leveraging cognitive neuroscience for making and breaking real-world habits. Trends Cogn Sci. 2025;29(1):41–59. Aguilar-Yamuza B, Trenados Y, Herruzo C, et al. A systematic review of treatment for impulsivity and compulsivity. Front Psychiatry. 2024;15. Science News Today. Why Habits Stick: The Hidden Psychology of Habit Formation. 2025.
References: Peng Z, Jia Q, Mao J, et al. Neurotransmitters crosstalk and regulation in the reward circuit of subjects with behavioral addiction . Front Psychiatry. 2024;15. 2 Walid R. The Impact of Addiction on the Brain’s Reward Circuitry, And How This Affects the Motivation and Decision-Making Processes . 2025. 3 Parra-Abarca J, Palacios-Pérez HB, Baldivia-Noyola P, et al. The relation between the dopaminergic system, drug addiction, and brain structures related to reward behaviors and decision-making . Rev Mex Neurocienc. 2025. 4 Penn LPS Online. Neuroscience and addiction: Unraveling the brain's reward system . 2025. 1 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Hijacking the Brain’s Reward System: The Neuroscience Behind Addiction . 2025.
References: Aggarwal D, Naik J, Lindquist DH. Biphasic Model of Addiction: Neurobehavioral Adaptations . Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2025;12:25. 1 Blithikioti C, Fried EI, Albanese E, Field M, Cristea IA. Reevaluating the brain disease model of addiction . Lancet Psychiatry. 2025;12(6):469–474. 2 Blithikioti C, Fried EI, Albanese E, Field M, Cristea IA. Reevaluating the BrainDisease Model of Addiction (Accepted Version). University of Sheffield; 2025. Unterrainer HF. Addiction, attachment, and the brain: a focused review of empirical findings and future directions . Front Hum Neurosci. 2025;19. 3 Vaswani M. Neurobiology of Addiction . Addiction Behavioral Conference 2025. Magnus Group.
This guide breaks down why your body reacts the way it does, how misinterpretation fuels anxiety, and the CBT tools designed to help you understand (and stop fearing) your own physical sensations.