Canada Approves Needle-Free Nasal Spray for Allergies

For people terrified of needles or struggling to carry bulky auto-injectors, a new approval could save lives while easing everyday anxiety.

Health Canada has approved Neffy, a needle-free nasal spray that treats anaphylaxis just as effectively as traditional EpiPens. The pocket-sized device delivers epinephrine through the nose, offering the same life-saving medication without the jab.

Dr. Mariam Hanna, a pediatric allergist, calls it "huge" for patients and caregivers. "This is the ability to have a life-saving device available on you that's easy to administer, and almost challenging to get wrong," she told CTV News.

Anaphylaxis affects millions of Canadians and can be triggered by foods like peanuts and shellfish, insect stings, or other allergens. Symptoms escalate quickly with difficulty breathing, throat swelling, and dangerous drops in blood pressure.

For decades, the only option has been injectable devices that must be stabbed into the thigh. Many people avoid carrying them because of needle fear, size, or the stress of potentially using them on themselves or loved ones.

The Ripple Effect

The approval mirrors another life-saving shift Canadians have already embraced. Naloxone nasal spray transformed overdose response, making it simple enough for police officers and bystanders to administer. Now epinephrine is following the same path.

Hanna points out that removing barriers matters in emergencies. "You want to be able to easily help in the event of an emergency," she said.

The newly approved two-milligram dose works for adults and children weighing at least 30 kilograms (about 66 pounds). ALK Canada, which holds distribution rights, expects the spray to appear in pharmacies as early as this summer.

A smaller one-milligram dose for children between 15 and 30 kilograms is already approved in the United States. The manufacturer plans to seek Canadian approval for that version later this year.

When seconds count, having a device that anyone can use confidently could mean the difference between panic and calm action.