ARS Pharma Expands neffyinSchools Program To California, Providing Nasal Epinephrine To Schools

ARS Pharmaceuticals announced that California is now eligible to participate in its neffyinSchools program, expanding access to the company’s epinephrine nasal spray for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions in schools. Anaphylaxis can be triggered by foods, insect stings, medications, exercise, or unknown causes, and requires immediate epinephrine administration. Studies indicate that about one in four life-threatening food allergy reactions in schools involve individuals with no prior diagnosis, while roughly one in 13 U.S. school-aged children live with food allergies.

Since launching in January 2025, the neffyinSchools initiative has grown rapidly, enrolling more than 8,000 schools nationwide. With California added, the program now operates in 24 states, reflecting broader legislative changes that allow schools to stock undesignated epinephrine for emergencies. ARS Pharma positions neffy as the first major innovation in epinephrine delivery in more than three decades.

“One year ago, we envisioned a nationwide program that would give school nurses and staff the confidence to respond quickly to a severe allergic emergency, and we’re thrilled that California schools are now eligible to participate in this program,” said Richard Lowenthal, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of ARS Pharma. “With neffy’s needle-free design, long shelf life and stability at temperature excursions of up to 122°F, schools have an option that is compact, easy to use, easily disposable and is ready when needed. We look forward to adding more school communities in the future.”

The program is open to both public and private K-12 schools across the U.S. Eligible institutions can apply online to receive two cartons, four single-use doses, of neffy nasal spray in 1 mg and 2 mg strengths at no cost for emergency preparedness. Schools can also request replacement supplies when doses are used or expire. To date, ARS Pharma has donated nearly 45,000 doses through the initiative.

“California has taken a major step in prioritizing access to all forms of epinephrine, helping to protect children and empowering school nurses across the state when seconds matter,” said Terri Hinkley, EdD, MBA, BScN, RN, CAE, CEO of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). “Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can happen quickly. I believe this type of forward-thinking is exactly what schools need to ensure our communities are safer.”

Currently, neffyinSchools is available in states including California, Texas, New York, Washington, and several others across the country, with plans to expand further as regulations evolve. ARS Pharma continues encouraging all K-12 schools in eligible states to apply, aiming to broaden access to rapid, needle-free epinephrine treatment for students and staff.