Health Canada has officially authorized the country’s first needle-free emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions. The product, a nasal spray marketed under the brand name neffy, represents a significant shift in how anaphylaxis is managed. Until now, epinephrine auto-injectors have been the only emergency treatment option available in Canada for life-threatening allergic reactions.
The spray was approved for use in both adults and pediatric patients who weigh at least 30 kilograms (66 lbs). ALK Canada, the company that secured the rights to distribute the drug in the country, has indicated that the two-milligram treatment could be available on pharmacy shelves as early as this summer. A lower-dose version for children weighing 15 to less than 30kg (33-66 lbs) has not yet been approved in Canada, though the company has indicated a submission is expected later in 2026.
The introduction of a needle-free delivery system is expected to help address “needle phobia,” a common barrier to life-saving care. Dr Mariam Hanna, an adjunct clinical professor of pediatrics at McMaster University, noted that the stress of using a needle often leads to dangerous hesitation during medical emergencies. “That delay, particularly during a life-threatening reaction, is not good in terms of outcomes,” Hanna explained, emphasizing that a needle-free option could lead to faster intervention.
Medical experts believe the ease of a nasal spray will empower patients and caregivers who might otherwise freeze during a crisis. Because neffy removes the “needle-related aspects” of treatment, health professionals are optimistic it could improve timely use during emergencies. “We are hoping that people are more ready to use it, and people will use it, in emergencies, rather than delaying,” Hanna said.
Beyond the psychological benefits, the approval of neffy introduces a second delivery option for epinephrine in Canada. Having multiple delivery methods for epinephrine is vital to maintaining a stable supply, especially following the 2018 EpiPen shortages, which left many families feeling vulnerable. “It’s great to have more than one option, and it’s fabulous that the other option doesn’t have a needle,” Hanna added.
The product is designed for portability and longevity, featuring a pocket-sized design and a shelf life of approximately 30 months from the date of manufacture, with stability across a range of temperatures. This makes it a practical alternative for active individuals and students who need to keep the medication on them at all times. Food Allergy Canada, a Toronto-based non-profit, has praised the move, calling the approval “an important step forward” in providing Canadians with more autonomy over their health.
As the summer launch approaches, the medical community remains hopeful that neffy will change the landscape of allergy safety. By offering a less intimidating way to deliver life-saving medication, Health Canada is providing a new layer of security for the estimated 2.5 million Canadians living with severe allergies. The shift from a mechanical needle to a simple nasal spray marks a major milestone in emergency medicine.
Canada joins the US, UK and European Union (marketed as EURneffy), Japan, China, and Australia in approving neffy.
