Imagine you're at a party and suddenly your friend eats something like a peanut and struggles to breathe, or your own child gets a bullet and turns blue and is suffocating. You've probably heard of the life-saving injection called the EpiPen. But the truth is, many people are afraid to give themselves that injection in the thigh, thinking that they won't be able to do it properly in an emergency. So, how great would it be if there was a solution to this, a medicine that could be sprayed into the nose without a needle? That's the kind of new hope we're talking about today.
What is this severe allergy?
Simply put, this is the most severe form of allergy. In medical terms, we call this anaphylaxis . This is when something that is not compatible with our body enters our body, and our immune system overreacts, causing the entire body to suddenly go haywire.
The main reasons for this may be:
- Some foods: peanuts, cashews, milk, eggs , seafood (shrimp, squid) etc.
- Insect bites: Especially stings from animals like wasps and hornets.
- Certain medications: Some people may be allergic to antibiotics like penicillin.
When this ``(Anaphylaxis)`` condition occurs, breathing becomes difficult, the tongue and throat swell, red welts appear all over the body, blood pressure drops suddenly, dizziness and loss of consciousness may occur. This is a very dangerous and life-threatening medical emergency.
The current solution: EpiPen and epinephrine
The main life-saving medication for severe allergic reactions like this is epinephrine . This medication quickly relaxes the muscles in the airways that make breathing difficult, and constricts the blood vessels, restoring low blood pressure.
An EpiPen is an easy-to-use injection device (auto-injector) containing the drug Epinephrine. In an emergency, when you press it against the back of your thigh, the needle automatically comes out and injects the drug.
But the problem is, this is an injection. Many people are reluctant to have it because of the fear of needles, the fear of not being able to do it properly during a stressful time, and the high cost of it in some countries.
New hope without needles: the nasal spray (Neffy)
As a solution to this problem, a company called `ARS Pharmaceuticals` is trying to introduce a new drug called `Neffy`. This is the nasal spray we talked about. It also contains the life-saving `Epinephrine`. But the difference is that instead of an injection, it can be used like a regular nasal spray.
Think about the advantages of this:
- No needles : This is the biggest advantage. The fear of needles is completely eliminated.
- Very easy to use: Parents can easily use this even for their young child in an emergency.
- No hesitation: Sometimes it's too late to give an injection because of the fear of giving it. But a spray can work quickly without that hesitation.
Let's compare these two methods a little.
| Comparison | EpiPen (injection) | Neffy (nasal spray) |
|---|---|---|
| How to use | Needle puncture in the thigh area. | Spraying into a nostril. |
| Main advantage | A time-proven, reliable method. | No needles, easy to use, less scary. |
| Challenges/Disadvantages | Fear of needles, high cost, and need for training to use correctly. | Not yet on the market, awaiting approval. |
So why haven't we gotten this yet?
Here's the problem. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States is the one that should approve new drugs like this.
An expert advisory panel that studied the `Neffy` spray had recommended its approval. That is very good news. However, the `FDA` has said that further studies are needed before approving this drug. In particular, they need more information about the effects of a second `dose` if one `dose` is not enough.
The decision has shocked and saddened the drug company and allergy advocacy groups, as it has further set back the hopes of a large number of people who have been waiting for years for a needle-free alternative.
So, what happens now?
This is not a rejection, just a delay. ARS Pharmaceuticals has said that it will complete the additional studies requested by the FDA and reapply for approval in the first quarter of 2024. So, there is still hope for this needle-free spray.
The most important thing is to be aware of the life-saving measures available now and be prepared if you or someone in your family has a severe allergy, rather than waiting for this new drug to arrive.
Talk to your doctor to learn exactly whether you need an epinephrine auto-injector, whether you should keep one on hand, and how to use it in an emergency. It will be the biggest investment you can make to save your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Take-Home Message
- Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
- The life-saving medication for this is epinephrine. Currently, this is given through injections such as the EpiPen.
- A new nasal spray called `Neffy`, which is supposed to reduce the fear of needles, was scheduled to be introduced, but its approval has been delayed pending further studies.
- Since this is not a rejection but a delay, there is still hope for this to come to market in the future.
- Most importantly: If you or a family member has a severe allergic reaction, it is essential to see your doctor immediately and obtain an existing epinephrine injection and learn how to use it, rather than waiting for a new medication.
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