Families of children living with severe allergies may soon have access to a new needle free emergency treatment option following approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The MHRA has approved a lower dose version of EURneffy, an adrenaline nasal spray used for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in children aged four years and over who weigh between 15 kg and 30 kg.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life threatening allergic reaction that can develop rapidly after exposure to an allergen.
Common triggers include:
• Peanuts and tree nuts
• Milk and eggs
• Shellfish
• Insect stings
• Certain medicines
Symptoms may include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
• Wheezing
• Dizziness or collapse
• Severe skin reactions
Immediate treatment with adrenaline is essential and emergency services should always be contacted.
What has changed?
Until now, younger children at risk of anaphylaxis have relied on adrenaline auto injectors, commonly known as allergy pens.
The newly approved 1 mg EURneffy nasal spray offers an alternative treatment option that does not require a needle.
The spray is licensed for children aged four years and above who weigh between 15 kg and 30 kg.
A higher strength 2 mg version was already approved for adults and children aged 10 years and above who weigh at least 30 kg.
How does the nasal spray work?
The treatment delivers adrenaline through the nose and is designed to be used as soon as symptoms of anaphylaxis appear.
According to the MHRA, the spray can still be used even if the child has a blocked or congested nose.
As with adrenaline auto injectors, patients should always carry two doses in case a second dose is required before emergency help arrives.
After using the spray, a 999 ambulance should be called immediately.
Why is this important?
For some children and families, fear of needles can create anxiety around emergency treatment.
A needle free option may provide greater confidence and make treatment easier to administer during a stressful situation.
The approval also expands the range of available emergency allergy treatments and gives clinicians and families another option when discussing allergy management plans.
What should patients do?
Patients should continue to use the medication prescribed by their allergy specialist or healthcare professional.
Anyone with concerns about severe allergies, anaphylaxis, or emergency treatment plans should speak to their GP, allergy team, or pharmacist for advice.
Horizon Clinical Insights
This approval represents an important development in allergy care for children. While adrenaline auto injectors remain a highly effective treatment, the introduction of a needle free alternative may improve confidence and accessibility for some families managing severe allergies.
Horizon Healthcare will continue to monitor MHRA, NHS and NICE updates and share developments that may support patient care and informed decision making.
Reference:
MHRA. (2026, June 12). Lower dose needle-free allergy treatment approved for younger children. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/lower-dose-needle-free-allergy-treatment-approved-for-younger-children
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