Inhaled Epinephrine for Allergic Reactions

Overseen By George H. Luciuk, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Sponsor: Dr. George Luciuk

Must not be taking: Antihistamines, Bronchodilators

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Uncontrolled asthma, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 1 week

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the use of inhaled epinephrine to assist individuals experiencing severe allergic reactions during allergy tests or treatments. The researchers aim to determine if inhaled epinephrine can quickly alleviate symptoms in those with a known or suspected sensitivity to metabisulfites, commonly found in foods and medications. Suitable candidates for this trial have experienced significant allergic reactions during allergy testing or treatment and have a documented allergy history. Participants will receive inhaled epinephrine shortly after a reaction begins to assess its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this new treatment.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you stop using antihistamines 5 days before and bronchodilators 24 hours before the pre-challenge visit. Other medications are not specifically mentioned, so it's best to discuss with the study team.

Is there any evidence suggesting that inhaled epinephrine is likely to be safe for humans?

Research shows that inhaled epinephrine has been well-studied in other forms, such as nasal sprays, for treating allergic reactions. These studies indicate it is generally safe and effective for both adults and children. Most people tolerate it well, though some may experience mild side effects like a fast heartbeat or slight jitters. Serious issues are rare.

This trial tests inhaled epinephrine specifically for allergic reactions in people sensitive to metabisulfites. As an early-stage trial, it collects initial information on safety and effectiveness. The use of inhaled epinephrine for other allergies suggests it is likely safe, but participation in the trial helps researchers learn more about its use for this specific purpose. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?

Inhaled epinephrine is unique because it uses a new delivery method for treating allergic reactions. Unlike the standard of care, which typically involves an epinephrine injection, this treatment is administered through inhalation. This method could offer a quicker, less invasive way to manage symptoms, providing relief almost instantly. Researchers are excited because it could make treating allergic reactions easier and more accessible, especially for those who are hesitant or unable to self-inject.

What evidence suggests that inhaled epinephrine might be an effective treatment for systemic allergic reactions?

Studies have shown that inhaled epinephrine, which participants in this trial will receive, effectively treats allergic reactions. Research indicates that inhaled epinephrine significantly improves breathing compared to a placebo. Improved breathing is crucial for reducing symptoms during an allergic reaction. Other forms of epinephrine, such as nasal sprays, quickly relieve severe allergic symptoms, similar to traditional injections. This suggests that inhaled epinephrine might similarly benefit those with allergies. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

George H. Luciuk, MD

Principal Investigator

Kokua Pharma Inc.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Adults aged 18+ with known or suspected metabisulfite sensitivity and a history of systemic allergic reactions (SAR) during allergy testing, oral challenges, or immunotherapy can join. They must not be pregnant, breastfeeding, and willing to use birth control. Excluded are those sensitive to epinephrine, uncontrolled asthma/COPD patients, recent surgery recipients, individuals with severe health conditions as assessed by the investigator.

Inclusion Criteria

For females of child-bearing potential, not pregnant or lactating, willing to use a highly effective method of birth control between Screening and End-of-Study Visits

I've had a severe allergic reaction after allergy treatments or tests.

I am 18 or older with a known or suspected allergy to metabisulfite, confirmed by tests.

Exclusion Criteria

Known reaction or sensitivity to epinephrine or any of the ingredients of inhaled epinephrine

My asthma or COPD is not under control.

Previous treatment in this study

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Treatment

Participants receive inhaled epinephrine during allergy testing, immunotherapy, or oral challenges

1 week

Single visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Inhaled Epinephrine

Trial Overview The trial is exploring how inhaled epinephrine affects people who have had a moderate to severe allergic reaction while undergoing various allergy-related procedures like tests or immunotherapies.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Inhaled Epinephrine Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The first inhalation will be administered as soon as possible (i.e., within approximately 30 seconds) following identification of a Grade 2 or greater SAR and confirmation of enrollment by the Principal Investigator. The second inhalation will be administered approximately 10 seconds later, and the subject will be observed for approximately 2 minutes for signs of symptom resolution. Inhalations will continue in this manner until either: 1. resolution of systemic symptoms (defined as a reduction in SAR Grade to ≤1), or 2. maximum number of inhalations (8 inhalations) is reached, or 3. administration of intra-muscular epinephrine, whichever occurs earlier

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Dr. George Luciuk

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

60+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In patients with severe asthma (peak expiratory flow rate less than 120), subcutaneous epinephrine was significantly more effective than aerosol epinephrine after one hour, indicating its superior efficacy in acute situations.

For patients with mild to moderate asthma (peak expiratory flow rate greater than 120), both forms of epinephrine were equally effective, but aerosol epinephrine caused fewer side effects, suggesting it may be a safer option for less severe cases.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Aerosol vs injected epinephrine in acute asthma. Pliss, LB., Gallagher, EJ.[2019]

Epinephrine HFA metered-dose inhaler (MDI) showed significant improvements in lung function (FEV1) for doses above 125 μg compared to placebo, indicating its efficacy in treating asthma.

The safety profile of epinephrine HFA MDI was favorable, with minimal safety concerns and no significant differences compared to the active control (epinephrine CFC MDI), supporting the use of doses between 125-250 μg for longer-term treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Dose-Ranging Study of Epinephrine Hydrofluroalkane Metered-Dose Inhaler (Primatene® MIST) in Subjects with Intermittent or Mild-to-Moderate Persistent Asthma. Kerwin, EM., Tashkin, DP., Murphy, TR., et al.[2021]

Epinephrine delivered via an intranasal spray (neffy) is absorbed more effectively during anaphylaxis with severe hypotension, showing higher maximum concentrations compared to normal conditions in a study involving 14 anesthetized beagle dogs.

The study indicates that despite the hypotension associated with severe allergic reactions, epinephrine absorption via neffy remains effective, suggesting it could be a reliable treatment option in emergency situations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of anaphylaxis on the absorption of intranasal epinephrine in anaesthetized non-naive beagle dogs. Sparapani, S., Authier, S., Lowenthal, R., et al.[2023]

In a pilot study involving 4 subjects with mild stable asthma, inhaled racepinephrine (RE) showed a significant dose-response effect, but provided less bronchoprotection compared to nebulized albuterol, indicating it may be less effective for treating acute bronchospasm.

The study found that the 10 mg dose of RE resulted in a provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% decrease in FEV1 of 10.2 mg/mL, compared to 44 mg/mL after albuterol, suggesting that while RE is available as a nonprescription option, it may not be as effective as albuterol for asthma management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nonprescription racemic epinephrine for asthma. Mondal, P., Kandala, B., Ahrens, R., et al.[2015]

Epinephrine HFA has shown to improve lung function in adults and children aged 12 and older with mild intermittent asthma symptoms, making it a potential effective nonprescription bronchodilator.

While no major safety concerns were identified during the review, there are significant worries about potential device malfunctions and inaccuracies in the dose-counter, which are critical for a medication used in life-threatening asthma situations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nonprescription Epinephrine Metered-Dose Inhaler: To Be or Not To Be. Blake, K., Raissy, H.[2022]

The new epinephrine HFA metered-dose inhaler (MDI) showed approximately 37% greater systemic drug exposure compared to the older CFC version, indicating it may be more effective in delivering epinephrine quickly.

Safety assessments revealed minimal adverse effects even at very high doses (up to 10 inhalations), suggesting that the epinephrine HFA MDI is safe for use in healthy individuals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pharmacokinetic Study of Epinephrine Hydrofluoroalkane (Primatene MIST) Metered-Dose Inhaler. Kerwin, EM., Marrs, T., Luo, MZ., et al.[2021]

The intranasal epinephrine delivery device, neffy, demonstrated a pharmacokinetic profile that falls between traditional injection methods, with a peak plasma level of 481 pg/mL, indicating it effectively delivers epinephrine.

Neffy produced stronger pharmacodynamic responses compared to EpiPen and manual injections, suggesting it could be a safer and more effective option for patients who find traditional injection devices cumbersome.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of epinephrine after single and repeat administration of neffy, EpiPen, and manual intramuscular injection. Casale, TB., Ellis, AK., Nowak-Wegrzyn, A., et al.[2023]

Innovative epinephrine delivery methods, such as nasal sprays and sublingual films, show promising pharmacokinetic results comparable to traditional intramuscular injections, potentially improving the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.

These needle-free alternatives may enhance patient compliance and safety by addressing common barriers associated with epinephrine autoinjectors, such as fear of needles and ease of carriage, making them a viable option for outpatient use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Innovations in the treatment of anaphylaxis: A review of recent data. Lieberman, JA., Oppenheimer, J., Hernandez-Trujillo, VP., et al.[2023]

In a study involving eight patients with seasonal asthma, infusions of epinephrine significantly improved end expiratory flow rates, indicating its potential to dilate smaller airways and counteract allergen-induced bronchoconstriction.

Epinephrine allowed patients to tolerate higher doses of allergens without significant bronchoconstriction, but when bronchoconstriction did occur, it was less responsive to beta-2-agonist treatment, suggesting that while epinephrine can provide temporary relief, it may lead to more severe reactions when allergens are encountered.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bronchodilatation and inhibition of allergen-induced bronchoconstriction by circulating epinephrine in asthmatic subjects. Larsson, K., Grönneberg, R., Hjemdahl, P.[2019]

Citations

1. ir.ars-pharma.com ir.ars-pharma.com/news-releases/news-release-details/real-world-evidence-supports-clinical-effectiveness-neffyr

Real-World Evidence Supports Clinical Effectiveness of ... “We believe these real-world outcomes data support the clinical interchangeability of neffy and epinephrine injection, building on the ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213219825006300

Epinephrine Nasal Spray Improves Allergic Symptoms in ... The results of this study demonstrate that neffy resolves anaphylaxis symptoms within a comparable time frame to epinephrine injection products. This study was ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-1-hypersensitivity-5-2024-0aae3

Inhaled Epinephrine for Allergic Reactions Epinephrine HFA metered-dose inhaler (MDI) showed significant improvements in lung function (FEV1) for doses above 125 μg compared to placebo, indicating its ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12582597/

Epinephrine nasal spray for the treatment of anaphylaxis According to recent research, intranasal epinephrine represents an easy-to-use, effective, and well tolerated treatment for severe allergic reactions.

5. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/co-allergy/fulltext/2025/12000/epinephrine_nasal_spray_for_the_treatment_of.11.aspx

Epinephrine nasal spray for the treatment of anaphylaxis:... According to recent research, intranasal epinephrine represents an easy-to-use, effective, and well tolerated treatment for severe allergic reactions.

6. neffy.com neffy.com/

neffy® (epinephrine nasal spray) for Anaphylaxis neffy is a nasal spray used for emergency treatment of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, in adults and children aged 4 years and older who weigh 33 lbs ...

7. mayoclinic.org mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/epinephrine-inhalation-route/description/drg-20452259

Epinephrine (inhalation route) - Side effects & dosage Epinephrine inhalation is used as temporary relief for mild symptoms of a weak type of asthma, called intermittent asthma (eg, chest tightness, troubled ...

8. fda.gov fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-nasal-spray-treatment-anaphylaxis

FDA Approves First Nasal Spray for Treatment of Anaphylaxis The FDA approved the first nasal spray for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including those that are life-threatening, ...

9. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11207568/

Development of neffy, an Epinephrine Nasal Spray, for Severe ... The results suggest that neffy will provide a safe and effective needle-free option for the treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

10. neffypro.com neffypro.com/clinical-data/

Efficacy & Clinical Data | neffy® (epinephrine nasal spray) ... neffy is indicated for emergency treatment of type I allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in adult and pediatric patients aged 4 years and older who weigh ...