Top in allergy/asthma: FDA OKs neffy nasal spray; cleaning products pose risks for women

The FDA approved ARS Pharmaceuticals’ neffy epinephrine nasal spray for emergency allergic reactions in children and adults weighing at least 66 pounds.

The agency granted approval for the nasal spray based on results of four studies that found neffy delivery comparable to current epinephrine injection products.

“We commend the FDA's decision to approve neffy, which offers the food allergy community a nasal-spray epinephrine delivery device,” Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of Food Allergy Research and Education, told Healio. “This needle-free breakthrough should make it easier for food allergy patients and those around them to administer epinephrine in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.”

It was the top story in allergy/asthma last week.

In another top story, Healio spoke with experts about the risks cleaning products can pose to women, who spend nearly double the amount of time caring for their households than men, and asked for recommendations to protect them from hazardous chemicals.

Read these and more top stories in allergy/asthma below:

FDA approves epinephrine nasal spray for anaphylaxis

The FDA has approved neffy epinephrine nasal spray for emergency treatment of Type 1 allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in pediatric and adult individuals weighing at least 66 pounds. Read more.

Women may face greater allergy, respiratory risks from household cleaning product use

Women traditionally spend significantly more time than men completing housework such as cooking and cleaning, putting them at risk for higher exposures to harmful agents that are known to cause respiratory and allergic issues. To understand the hazards household chores may pose to women, Healio spoke with experts on the risks associated with cleaning products as part of a two-part series, the second of which will review risks associated with cooking exposures. Read more.

Strategies improve preparation for oral food challenges

Maria Crain, APRN, CPNP-PC, AE-C, pediatric nurse practitioner at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Food Allergy Center, spoke about the importance of preparation in successful oral food challenges during her presentation at the 16th Annual Allergy, Asthma & Immunology CME Conference. Read more.

Peptide’s upstream mechanisms of action validated in allergy treatment

A novel peptide that uniquely affects the effector and regulatory arms of immune responses has potential for treating eosinophilic esophagitis and other allergic diseases, according to a press release from Revolo Biotherapeutics. Read more.

Lupin-induced anaphylaxis prevalence may be underestimated

A recent study published in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology shows that significant cross-reactivity may exist between lupin and other legumes. Read more.