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ALK-Abelló Pharmaceuticals Inc Announces Positive Funding Recommendation from Canada’s Drug Agency for neffy® for the Emergency Treatment of Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

ALK
Thursday at 9:42am ADT · October 1, 2026 5 min read

First and only needle-free epinephrine nasal spray receives reimburse with conditions recommendation in Canada for adult and pediatric patients weighing 30 kg or greater

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2026 /CNW/ — ALK-Abelló Pharmaceuticals Inc. Canada (ALK Canada) today announced that the Canadian Drug Expert Committee (CDEC) of Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) has issued a positive recommendation to reimburse neffy® (2 mg nasal spray) with conditions.1 neffy® is authorized for use in adults and children with a body weight of 30 kg (66 pounds) or more for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis to insect stings or bites, foods, medicines and other allergens, as well as anaphylaxis caused by exercise or where the cause is not known.2 This positive recommendation is subject to the clinical criteria and conditions set out in the CDA recommendation.

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Access to epinephrine is critical for the estimated 2.5 million Canadians affected by severe allergies that put them at risk of anaphylaxis.3,4

Prompt administration of epinephrine is the recognized first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. However, research shows that half of those living with life-threatening allergies may not consistently carry their prescribed epinephrine auto-injector or administer it during an emergency when needed.5*

“‘We are thrilled to receive this positive recommendation from Canada’s Drug Agency for neffy®. As a needle-free option, neffy® is designed to help remove hesitation and empower patients, families, and caregivers to act quickly during an emergency,” said Andrew Desbarats, General Manager, ALK Canada.

According to CDA-AMC, reimbursement is recommended with conditions for the emergency treatment of type 1 allergic reactions including anaphylaxis due to foods, insect stings or bites, medications, and other allergens, as well as idiopathic or exercise-induced anaphylaxis for patients weighing 30 kg or greater.1

Review by patient and clinician groups also indicated that the fear of needles can affect up to 74% of patients, and this can influence how and when epinephrine is used.6 

“Delaying epinephrine is a critical risk during an anaphylactic reaction. Any way we can bolster prompt access to treatment in an emergency is an important step forward,” noted Dr. Julia Upton, division head, Immunology & Allergy, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).**

Following this recommendation, ALK Canada will work closely with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) and participating provincial, territorial, and federal public drug plans to complete negotiations, working to secure public access for eligible patients across Canada.

About anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.7 Symptoms generally include two or more body systems (e.g. skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular.)7 Common triggers include foods (particularly peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, and eggs), insect stings, medications, latex and exercise.8 Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and rapid recognition and management can be life-saving.7 Epinephrine is the only medication that reduces hospitalization and death and should be administered promptly following the onset of anaphylaxis.7

About neffy® 

neffy® 2 mg is a nasal spray designed to provide fast absorption of epinephrine.2 neffy® delivers a full, single dose of epinephrine in a user-friendly format, without the need for priming.2,9 It has a 30-month shelf life from the date of manufacture and should be stored at between 15°C to 30°C, with the ability to withstand temperature excursions of up to 50°C.2 Freezing does not affect its shelf life, however if it is accidentally frozen the nasal spray should be allowed to thaw for at least one hour before use, because it will not activate if frozen.2 The most frequently occurring adverse reactions (very common events ≥ 10%) observed in clinical studies of neffy® were reported only after a second 2 mg dose (4 mg total) and include throat irritation (18.8%), headache (17.6%), nasal discomfort (12.9%) and feeling jittery (10.6%).2 Full product and safety information is available in the Product Monograph.

About ALK Canada

For more than 100 years, ALK has been at the forefront of allergy research and treatment, with a global mission to help millions of people living with allergies. ALK Canada brings this legacy of innovation to Canadian patients and healthcare providers, offering a comprehensive portfolio of allergy therapies–from diagnostic testing to immunotherapy and emergency anaphylaxis care. For more information, visit www.alk.net/ca.

* Based on a survey of adults (n = 450), parents of children (n = 255), and adolescents (n = 212) who had been prescribed an EAI in the US

** Dr. Upton has received payment for advisory boards for ALK-Abelló for their epinephrine delivery device. SickKids has received payment for ALK-Abelló trials and research.

References

  1. Canada’s Drug Agency. Reimbursement Recommendation. Intranasal Epinephrine (neffy). September 2026 Available at https://www.cda-amc.ca/sites/default/files/DRR/2026/SR0900-Neffy_Final_Rec.pdf. Accessed September 29th, 2026.
  2. neffy® Product Monograph. Available at: www.alk.net/ca/npm-en
  3. Health Canada. 2020: Research Related to the Prevalence of Food Allergies and Intolerances. Available online at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-allergies-intolerances/food-allergen-research-program/research-related-prevalence-food-allergies-intolerances.html. Accessed August 26, 2026.
  4. Statistics Canada. Canada’s population estimates: Age and gender, July 1, 2025. Available online at: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/250924/dq250924a-eng.htm Accessed August 26, 2026.
  5. Warren CM, et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;121:479–489.e2
  6. Food Allergy Canada Member Survey cited in CDA-AMC Reimbursement Review Patient and Clinician Group Input, August 22, 2025. Available online at https://www.cda-amc.ca/sites/default/files/DRR/2025/SR0900_Neffy_Patient_Clinician%20Group_Input.pdf Accessed August 26, 2026.
  7. Government of Canada. Anaphylaxis and other acute reactions following vaccination: Canadian Immunization Guide. Available online at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-2-vaccine-safety/page-4-early-vaccine-reactions-including-anaphylaxis.html Accessed August 26, 2026.
  8. Food Allergy Canada. Food allergy FAQs. Available online at https://foodallergycanada.ca/food-allergy-basics/food-allergies-101/food-allergy-faqs/ Accessed August 26, 2026.
  9. Hernandez-Trujillo V, et al. ACAAI 2024. Poster 8066

SOURCE ALK

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