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US FDA approves nasal spray alternative to EpiPen for allergic reactions

reuters.com

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Re: US FDA approves nasal spray alternative to EpiPen for allergic reactions

#2
> ARS Pharma will offer neffy at a price of $199 for two doses via digital pharmacy sites like BlinkRx and GoodRx for eligible patients whose insurance plans do not cover neffy. Some commercially insured patients can access the treatment at $25 for each filled prescription of two single-use neffy devices through a co-pay savings program.

This is considerably lower than the non-insured cost of an Epi-Pen or generic equivalent[0]. Hopefully this spurs some competition and makes the whole market more affordable. I needed to use an Epi-pen in college, and though I never took issue with needles I'm glad than an alternative is available for those fearful of them.

(I didn't feel it. I was about to pass out. But I remember looking up from the floor while administering and seeing my RA terrified. He was so scared of needles that if I had lost consciousness, he wouldn't have administered for me!)

[0]https://www.talktomira.com/post/how-much-does-an-epipen-cost

Re: US FDA approves nasal spray alternative to EpiPen for allergic reactions

#3

> ARS Pharma will offer neffy at a price of $199 for two doses via digital pharmacy sites like BlinkRx and GoodRx for eligible patients whose insurance plans do not cover neffy. Some commercially insured patients can access the treatment at $25 for each filled prescription of two single-use neffy devices through a co-pay savings program. This is considerably lower than the non-insured cost of an Epi-Pen or generic eq…

Not only is it cheaper, but you need to replace it much less as its shelf life is 30 months[0], compared to Epipens which are recommended every year of shelf life.

[0]: https://ir.ars-pharma.com/news-releases/news-release-details...

Re: US FDA approves nasal spray alternative to EpiPen for allergic reactions

#4

> ARS Pharma will offer neffy at a price of $199 for two doses via digital pharmacy sites like BlinkRx and GoodRx for eligible patients whose insurance plans do not cover neffy. Some commercially insured patients can access the treatment at $25 for each filled prescription of two single-use neffy devices through a co-pay savings program. This is considerably lower than the non-insured cost of an Epi-Pen or generic eq…

This is HUGE for kids. Nasal spray as a delivery method is a big step up from needles, the shelf life is much longer, it's less susceptible to high/low temperatures, and if the promotional pricing is accurate, it's cheaper than EpiPens and Auvi-Q (which talks you through the injection procedure).

I wouldn't be surprised, though, if insurers continue to push generic epinephine injectors ($15-$30) merely from a cost perspective.

Re: US FDA approves nasal spray alternative to EpiPen for allergic reactions

#5
In first aid training one is told to be very careful regarding how you deploy an Epipen, since an accidental jab on an appendage (usually the thumb) is very bad news.

The reasoning I've heard is since Epinephrine constricts blood supply to the region and you can kill the tissue in an area with small blood vessels like your fingers.

Anyone aware of what the risks of a spray would be in similar contexts? I imagine stabbing a finger is not a risk here, but what about the spray getting anywhere other than the nose like in eyes etc....

EDIT: Looking at the product page https://ars-pharma.com/product/ it looks a lot like a Naloxone nasal spray so, I suppose its easier to position it in nose (not an inhaler like thing as I was imagining).

Re: US FDA approves nasal spray alternative to EpiPen for allergic reactions

#6

> ARS Pharma will offer neffy at a price of $199 for two doses via digital pharmacy sites like BlinkRx and GoodRx for eligible patients whose insurance plans do not cover neffy. Some commercially insured patients can access the treatment at $25 for each filled prescription of two single-use neffy devices through a co-pay savings program. This is considerably lower than the non-insured cost of an Epi-Pen or generic eq…

Slam dunk against EpiPen’s de facto monopoly.

Re: US FDA approves nasal spray alternative to EpiPen for allergic reactions

#7
post #4

> ARS Pharma will offer neffy at a price of $199 for two doses via digital pharmacy sites like BlinkRx and GoodRx for eligible patients whose insurance plans do not cover neffy. Some commercially insured patients can access the treatment at $25 for each filled prescription of two single-use neffy devices through a co-pay savings program. This is considerably lower than the non-insured cost of an Epi-Pen or generic eq…

This is HUGE for kids. Nasal spray as a delivery method is a big step up from needles, the shelf life is much longer, it's less susceptible to high/low temperatures, and if the promotional pricing is accurate, it's cheaper than EpiPens and Auvi-Q (which talks you through the injection procedure). I wouldn't be surprised, though, if insurers continue to push generic epinephine injectors ($15-$30) merely from a cost pe…

Hmm... Canada had something like Auvi-Q called Allerject but it was recalled due to mechanical malfunctions.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/epipen-shortage-canada-1.3296...

Re: US FDA approves nasal spray alternative to EpiPen for allergic reactions

#8

> ARS Pharma will offer neffy at a price of $199 for two doses via digital pharmacy sites like BlinkRx and GoodRx for eligible patients whose insurance plans do not cover neffy. Some commercially insured patients can access the treatment at $25 for each filled prescription of two single-use neffy devices through a co-pay savings program. This is considerably lower than the non-insured cost of an Epi-Pen or generic eq…

[deleted]

Re: US FDA approves nasal spray alternative to EpiPen for allergic reactions

#9
I would love to see the way that ownership of these devices is managed. I find it rather obnoxious that every child who may need epinephrine is supposed to keep their own device at school — this means that each student needs an extra device, and most of them just sit around until expiration.

If the school could buy and store a reasonable number (funded, on a fractional basis, by the insurers of the students who need them) and use them as needed (with replacement paid for by the recipient’s insurance), the students’ lives would be simpler and a lot less money would be spent.

Re: US FDA approves nasal spray alternative to EpiPen for allergic reactions

#10
post #9

I would love to see the way that ownership of these devices is managed. I find it rather obnoxious that every child who may need epinephrine is supposed to keep their own device at school — this means that each student needs an extra device, and most of them just sit around until expiration. If the school could buy and store a reasonable number (funded, on a fractional basis, by the insurers of the students who need…

Don’t those students still need the epipen when they’re at home or otherwise out of school?
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