The first needle-free emergency treatment for anaphylaxis \u2013 in the form of a nasal spray \u2013 will now be available in the UK.<\/p>\n
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray (EURneffy), the first needle-free emergency treatment for anaphylaxis.<\/p>\n
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, founder of food allergy charity the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, voiced delight at the news.<\/p>\n
She said the spray is an \u201ceasier and more accessible\u201d way of administering life-saving medication<\/a> than auto-injectors, and offers another option to prevent delays to treatment.<\/p>\n Julian Beach, MHRA interim executive director of healthcare quality and access, said: \u201cPatient safety<\/a> is our top priority, which is why we\u2019re pleased to approve the first needle-free nasal spray formulation of adrenaline for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in the UK.<\/p>\n \u201cUntil now, adrenaline for self-administration has only been available via auto-injectors.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile this represents an important new option, adrenaline auto-injectors remain a vital and potentially life-saving treatment, giving people experiencing anaphylaxis valuable time before emergency help arrives.<\/p>\n \u201cWe continue to encourage everyone at risk of severe allergic reactions, and those around them, to familiarise themselves with how to respond in an emergency.<\/p>\n \u201cResources and guidance are available on the MHRA website to help people be prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n Anaphylaxis is a sudden and life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause a drop in blood pressure and breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n EURneffy is intended for use in adults and children who weigh 30kg (about 66lb) or more, and can be used even if people have colds or blocked noses.<\/p>\n It is a single dose nasal spray that delivers its entire contents (2mg) upon activation.<\/p>\n People are reminded the plunger should not be pressed before inserting the product into the nostril, otherwise the single dose will be lost.<\/p>\n The MHRA said patients should always carry two nasal sprays with them in case a second dose is needed, and tell family and friends where it is.<\/p>\n Mrs Ednan-Laperouse\u2019s daughter Natasha died in 2016 after eating a Pret baguette containing sesame.<\/p>\n She said: \u201cThe number of people experiencing anaphylaxis triggered by food has increased dramatically over the last 20 years.<\/p>\n \u201cBut we know that some people are reluctant to use the current adrenaline auto-injectors in the event of anaphylaxis due to a fear of needles and hurting someone.<\/p>\n \u201cThis can delay administering adrenaline, and in a food allergy emergency every second counts.<\/p>\n \u201cThe nasal spray will be an easier and more accessible way of administering this life-saving medication, and is great news for people living with food allergies.<\/p>\n \u201cSpare supplies of these nasal adrenaline devices should now be another option available to schools.\u201d<\/p>\n A spokeswoman for the drug firm behind the spray, ALK, said: \u201cThe market launch in the UK is expected within the coming months once market access negotiations are completed.\u201d<\/p>\n ALK is having ongoing discussions to agree a price with the Department of Health<\/a> and Social Care.<\/p>\n![\"Epi-pens,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/27164302-7e6e809a-c9cb-4ed9-aa45-9a0a6a3c6479.jpg\")
Epi-pens, or adrenaline auto-injectors, had been used to anaphylaxis ((Alamy\/PA))<\/p>\n