ARS Pharmaceuticals has announced that the FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of March 6, 2025, for its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for a 1 mg dose of Neffy (epinephrine nasal spray). This application seeks approval for use in pediatric patients weighing 33 to 66 lbs (15 to 30 kg). If approved, Neffy 1 mg is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2025, offering a needle-free alternative for treating anaphylaxis in young children.
Addressing an Unmet Need in Pediatric Anaphylaxis Treatment
The expansion of Neffy's approval to include children weighing 15 to 30 kilograms addresses a significant gap in treatment options for this vulnerable population. The current standard of care often involves epinephrine injections, which can be painful and anxiety-inducing, particularly for young children. Neffy offers a potentially less intimidating and easier-to-administer alternative.
Neffy's Initial Approval and Clinical Data
Neffy was initially approved by the FDA on August 9, 2024, for the treatment of anaphylaxis in adults and children weighing at least 66 lbs. The approval was based on pharmacokinetic data demonstrating that Neffy achieved comparable epinephrine blood concentrations to approved epinephrine injection products. Studies involving 175 healthy adults showed similar increases in blood pressure and heart rate with Neffy compared to injections, key effects of epinephrine in managing anaphylaxis.
In a Phase 3 trial conducted in Japan, Neffy demonstrated rapid symptom resolution comparable to injectable epinephrine in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years who experienced anaphylactic symptoms after an oral food challenge. This trial further reinforced Neffy's effectiveness as a needle-free alternative.
Additional Studies and Future Outlook
In response to a 2023 Complete Response Letter from the FDA, ARS Pharmaceuticals conducted additional studies comparing repeat doses of Neffy to epinephrine intramuscular (IM) injections in both adults and pediatric populations. These studies demonstrated that Neffy achieved epinephrine exposure levels in pediatric patients that were comparable to, or slightly greater than, those observed with injections. These findings support Neffy's potential as a safe and effective option for managing anaphylaxis in younger patients.
Pending the FDA's decision, the anticipated availability of Neffy 1 mg in mid-2025 could represent a significant advancement for young children and their caregivers, offering a more accessible and less intimidating treatment option for a potentially life-threatening condition.
