neffy®, an adrenaline based nasal spray, will now be available from pharmacies by prescription as an alternative treatment to adrenaline autoinjectors for people with anaphylaxis like Tewantin sisters Rose, 11, and Violet, 8.
CSL Seqirus, part of leading Australian biotechnology company CSL, announced on Monday that neffy® adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray was now TGQ-registered for use in Australia for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in adults and children 15kg+ and aged four years and over.
Anaphylaxis occurs after exposure to an allergen, such as food, medications and insect bites and stings, and can be life threatening if not immediately treated with adrenaline, which rapidly reverses the effects of the condition by reducing throat swelling, opening the airways, and maintaining heart function and blood pressure.
While adrenaline has been available in Australia as an injectable since 1993, the availability of neffy, the only adrenaline nasal spray approved in Australia, marks an important milestone as the first innovation in the anaphylaxis space in more than three decades.
Mum Kirsti Wetton said it would be a great alternative to the current medication for her daughters.
Kirsti said both girls have to carry their auto injector epinephrine (or EpiPens) whenever they leave the house.
The small, compact, needle-free adrenaline device, neffy, would be less bulky, not as heat sensitive as the injectable and easier to administer.
And for Rose the nasal spray would be a welcome alternative to injections.
Rose has severe, life threatening allergies to eggs and milk. She has experienced seven anaphylactic reactions, each requiring emergency treatment and overnight hospital stays.
Violet showed signs of food allergy as early as four months old. Skin prick testing revealed nut allergies (peanuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios). While Violet has outgrown peanut and almond allergies, she remains allergic to cashew and pistachio and experienced an allergic reaction at 18 months of age.
Kirsti said Rose hasn’t been able to go on playdates without her coming along and while Violet is more able to visit friends, Kirsti has to first take along a practice injector to show the parent how to use it, in case it’s required.
“More people need to understand what anaphylaxis actually is and what happens when someone experiences it. It’s not just harmful, it’s life-threatening, and for our family, this is something we live with every single day,” Kirsti said.
“While I’ve shown friends how to use adrenaline autoinjectors, having options may help families managing anaphylaxis feel more confident saying yes to playdates, school activities and social situations.”
Australia has one of the highest documented rates of anaphylaxis hospital admissions in the developed world.
Professor Connie Katelaris AM, leading NSW allergist said the approval of neffy was very welcome as it gives patients and their doctors a nasal administration option and choice in managing their condition.
“Anaphylaxis is a difficult condition to manage with some patients reporting challenges. neffy has been available for some time overseas and now patients in Australia will have access,” she said.
Maria Said AM, Health Strategy and Advocacy Manager at Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, says the condition significantly impacts many Australians.
“Having a new treatment option which does not require injection will offer people at risk of anaphylaxis, and their treating doctor, the ability to choose an adrenaline device that best suits their needs from the range available.
“We know that people have to be extremely mindful of everyday things – such as eating at restaurants, attending social events, travelling or enjoying time outdoors. For parents of children with allergies, normal life experiences need to be planned for, including sleepovers, play dates, parties, air travel and school camps. Despite safety strategies being in place, accidents happen and people need to recognise an allergic reaction and respond quickly.”
Dr Jonathan Anderson, CSL Seqirus Executive Medical Director – International and GP, says the company is hoping to expand access to the treatment.
“We recognise the work by key allergy stakeholders in ensuring clinicians, consumers and school settings are prepared and supported for the introduction of neffy. We look forward to seeing decisionmakers assess our application for funding and working with them so that more Australians can access neffy.”
CSL has submitted an application for neffy to be subsidised and listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The submission will be considered in March 2026.
