EAGLE, Idaho — On Aug. 9, the FDA approved Nephi as the first-ever needle-free epinephrine, and it is expected to be available for prescription within the next few months.
- This will be the first needle-free epinephrine.
- This extends the shelf life of medicines and makes them easier to use and store.
- For more information on Nephi, click here here.
- For more information about ReeseSTRONG, here.
(Below is a transcript of the broadcast.)
A newly FDA-approved form of epinephrine will soon be available to the public in the form of a nasal spray. I’m Eagle District reporter Alexander Huddleston, and we spoke with experts about this new drug.
“It’s very exciting in every sense. It will make the kids less scared.”
Eagle local Heather Langer.
On August 9, the FDA approved a new food allergy epinephrine called Nephi, which is similar to the common EpiPen but can for the first time be administered as a nasal spray.
Langer continued.
“For a child, getting stuck with a needle is a scary thing. It’s just one needle in one nostril.”
I spoke with Neetu Talreja, a physician at Allergy Group who has been involved in product research here in the Treasure Valley.
“Nefi is easy to use, portable and easy to administer, eliminating pain and anxiety for patients.”
Dr. Tarreja
Dr. Tarreja said the spray will be available as a prescription medication within about seven weeks and can be purchased with insurance for about $25.
“It has a shelf life of 30 months and is stable at 50 degrees Celsius. You can leave it in your car and it’s fine to leave it in a hot place. It’s been studied.”
Dr. Tarreja
Langer lost her own daughter, Reese, to anaphylaxis and has spent the last few years promoting and advocating for the drug.
“In 2022, I met with pharmaceutical company representatives in Orlando and began writing letters to the FDA about why needle-free options mean so much to kids.”
Langer
Langer works to raise awareness of food allergies through an organization she started on her daughter’s behalf, Leash Strong.
“It’s important to realize that we live in a food allergy epidemic. The number of people with food allergies has doubled in the last 10 years. One in 13 children has a food allergy.”
Langer
Langer said food allergy awareness efforts will continue and Reece Strong will host its fourth anniversary golf tournament on Sept. 18 at Eagle Hills Golf Club.
