From Autoinjectors to Nasal Sprays: The Next Generation of Anaphylaxis Treatment

Auto injectors have been the go-to device for patients with anaphylactic reactions since their introduction in 1987.¹

However, there has been no significant innovation in the space, leaving patients with a device that they don't like and often fail to use correctly, David Dworaczyk, PhD, CEO of Bryn Pharma, explained in an interview with HCPLive.

“We are looking at trying to satisfy a truly unmet medical need,” he said. “Because we know patients don't carry the EpiPens, we know that they don't use them when they need to use them, and they don't use them as fast as they're supposed to use them.”

Dworaczyk presented the phase 3 data on Bryn Pharma's novel intranasal epinephrine spray Utuly at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) 2023 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX

Waiting too long to use the device can lead to the worsening of symptoms and eventual emergency department (ED) visits, which could be avoided if the device was easier to use.

One of the solutions that Utuly offered in the investigation was an easily accessible method of administration. In the study, children as young as 8 years old have been able to use the device with ease, demonstrating that it is not only easy to use but also easy to carry, Dworaczyk said.

The epinephrine nasal spray has demonstrated faster uptake than manual syringes, which could potentially save lives in emergency situations. By addressing the limitations of autoinjectors, the intranasal epinephrine spray has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of anaphylactic reactions.

In the interview, Dworaczyk expressed the study’s motivation: for patients to take their medication as quickly as possible, ultimately improving outcomes for those with anaphylactic reactions.

The current state of care for patients with anaphylaxis has left them with a device that they don't like and often fail to use correctly.

“There's millions of people who use (nasal spray) every day–it's nothing different to be able to do this,” he said. “It's not an inhaler and as long as somebody is breathing and has a pulse, you can dose.”

References:

1. Benedictis, F. M. D., & Blaiss, M. S. (2018). The burden of allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis on adolescents: a literature review. Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology: official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, 120(3), 227-231.