Health · Pharma & Biotech · 1 hr ago
Italy gets its first adrenaline nasal spray for anaphylaxis
Italy has introduced its first adrenaline nasal spray for treating anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis can be triggered by foods, insect stings or medicines, and can cause breathing problems, a sharp drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.
The spray works as an alternative to an adrenaline injection and is available for people weighing more than 30 kilograms.
Injections remain the first-choice treatment, but some patients avoid them or delay using them, sometimes for up to nine minutes.
The spray avoids a needle and may help people act sooner during a medical emergency.
Italy records about 10,000 cases and 60 deaths a year, according to the allergy specialists announcing the new option.
A spray for children is expected in spring, while doctors will assess which patients are suitable for the available spray in everyday care.
Italy has introduced its first adrenaline nasal spray for treating anaphylactic shock.
The needle-free spray is intended to supplement intramuscular injections and has comparable efficacy, according to experts from the Italian Society of Allergology, Asthma and Clinical Immunology.
It is currently available only for people weighing more than 30 kilograms.
A paediatric spray, approved by Italy’s medicines agency in July, is expected to arrive in spring.
Experts say the spray could help people give adrenaline sooner, as some patients delay or refuse injections.
- Who
- People at risk of anaphylaxis in Italy. The spray was announced by experts from the Italian Society of Allergology, Asthma and Clinical Immunology.
- What
- Italy has its first adrenaline nasal spray for anaphylactic shock.
- When
- It was announced during the society’s 38th national congress, which was under way when the article was published on 22 October 2026.
- Where
- Italy; the announcement was made at the congress in Salerno.
- Why
- The spray offers a needle-free way to give adrenaline and aims to help people treat anaphylaxis more promptly.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Italy’s medicines agency approved the paediatric spray.
Experts announced Italy’s first adrenaline nasal spray during the Siaaic national congress in Salerno.
The paediatric spray is expected to arrive.
- Annual anaphylaxis cases in Italy
- 10,000
- Annual deaths in Italy
- 60
- Current spray eligibility
- People weighing more than 30 kilograms
- Paediatric spray approval
- Approved by Aifa in July
- Expected paediatric spray arrival
- Spring
What people are saying
The aim of the spray is to reverse this trend.
patients or those assisting them wait up to nine minutes before giving the injection
Adrenaline is essential to counter the rapid drop in blood pressure and symptoms affecting the airways.