MHRA approves first needle-free emergency treatment for anaphylaxis

EURneffy, a single-dose nasal spray, is approved for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in patients weighing 30kg or more.
Man using nasal spray

The first needle-free adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray for anaphylaxis has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

EURneffy, which is marketed by ALK-Abelló A/S, is intended for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in adults and children who weigh 30kg or more. It is a ready-to-use, single-dose nasal spray that delivers 2mg of adrenaline.

Adrenaline for anaphylaxis is usually administered using auto-injection pens.

On 18 July 2025, the MHRA said that the approval of EURneffy provides “a needle-free alternative for the emergency administration of a potentially life-saving medication”.

Julian Beach, interim executive director of healthcare quality and access at the MHRA, commented: “[The MHRA is] pleased to approve the first needle-free nasal spray formulation of adrenaline for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in the UK.”

“While 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,” she added.

ALK-Abelló A/S said: “The market launch in the UK is expected within the coming months once market access negotiations are completed.”

Commenting on the approval of EURneffy, a spokesperson for charity Allergy UK said: “A needle-free option will appeal to people who are reluctant to use adrenaline auto-injector devices based on factors, including needle phobia, being unsure of how it may feel, what it looks like and hesitancy over whether they have made the correct judgement call on the severity of symptoms.“

Provisional NHS Digital data for 2022/2023 show that there were 1,483 hospital admissions in England for anaphylaxis related to adverse food reactions.

These figures also show there were 1,592 anaphylaxis admissions with an “unspecified” cause, as well as 581 admissions owing to adverse drug reactions.

Last updated
Citation
The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, July 2025, Vol 315, No 7999;315(7999)::DOI:10.1211/PJ.2025.1.365283

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