CSL Seqirus, part of the Australian biotechnology company, has launched a new adrenaline nasal spray called Neffy® for treating life-threatening anaphylaxis. It targets adults and children aged four years and older, weighing at least 15kg. Moreover, the needle-free spray works quickly to relieve severe allergic reactions, representing the most significant advancement in anaphylaxis care in decades.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has registered Neffy®, offering patients and caregivers a practical alternative to traditional adrenaline autoinjectors. For example, anaphylaxis can occur rapidly after exposure to food, medications, or insect bites. Without prompt treatment, therefore, the condition can become fatal.
Neffy® delivers adrenaline through the nasal mucosa, which acts immediately to reduce throat swelling, ease breathing, and support heart function and blood pressure. Additionally, the device’s ease of use may especially help people who struggle with needles or experience injection anxiety.
Healthcare specialists have praised the approval, noting that a needle-free adrenaline nasal spray could improve emergency response times. Professor Connie Katelaris, a leading allergist in New South Wales, described it as a “very welcome” development. Furthermore, she explained that Neffy® had already been used safely overseas, providing more options for families and clinicians.
Australia has one of the highest rates of hospital admissions for anaphylaxis in developed countries. Emergency department visits have risen sharply in recent years. Between 2015 and 2020, hospitals reported a 51 % increase in emergency visits for anaphylaxis and a 35 % rise in hospitalizations. Consequently, experts say these figures highlight the urgent need for improved treatment tools.
The introduction of adrenaline nasal spray could also influence public health practices. Schools, childcare centers, and emergency responders are updating training materials and emergency plans. These changes, in turn, ensure that caregivers know how to use Neffy® efficiently during a crisis.
Maria Said, Health Strategy and Advocacy Manager at Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, explained that a needle-free option may reduce barriers for people at risk. As a result, families can feel more confident participating in daily activities such as dining out, traveling, or attending events. Similarly, offering choices in adrenaline delivery may give caregivers greater flexibility in managing severe allergies.
CSL Seqirus has applied for Neffy® to be subsidized under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). If approved, the spray could become more affordable and accessible. Moreover, more patients would gain access without purchasing treatment devices privately.
Health authorities are preparing updated guidance for anaphylaxis management. Additionally, training programs for professionals and caregivers are adjusting to include intranasal adrenaline. These programs ensure proper use alongside traditional autoinjectors, therefore enhancing emergency readiness.
Patients prescribed Neffy® must follow instructions carefully and seek immediate medical help after using the spray. Meanwhile, anaphylaxis can escalate even after initial treatment. Caregivers should continue carrying prescribed adrenaline devices and participate in regular training to maintain confidence and skill.
Public education campaigns are emphasizing early recognition of anaphylaxis and the importance of swift administration of adrenaline nasal spray, or autoinjectors, to treat the anaphylaxis. Rapid treatment, in turn, can prevent fatal outcomes and improve patient survival during severe allergic reactions.
Ongoing improvements in epinephrine auto-injector design, including smaller sizes, voice-guided instructions, hidden needles, and enhanced temperature stability, strengthen patient confidence, reduce hesitation in self-administration, and maintain drug effectiveness across different conditions. At the same time, rising food allergies, such as peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish, along with reactions to common medications like antibiotics and NSAIDs, are steadily expanding the population that requires immediate access to prescribed emergency treatments.
For Australians with severe allergies, Neffy® offers hope for safer, faster, and less stressful management of anaphylactic episodes. Furthermore, families and healthcare providers are preparing to integrate this needle-free spray into emergency action plans, thus marking a new era in allergy care across the country.
