Neffy's pricing and financial pathways
Neffy, the first FDA-approved epinephrine nasal spray, is manufactured by ARS Pharmaceuticals and has several potential costs, depending on how you access it. While the wholesale list price can seem high, the company offers multiple programs to improve affordability and access, a strategy that has drawn positive feedback from patient groups.
The manufacturer's list price
The Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) for a two-pack of Neffy is $710. This is the price paid by pharmacies and distributors, not the out-of-pocket cost for most consumers. The significant difference between the list price and the actual cost for many patients is due to insurance plans, co-pay programs, and other discounts.
Cash price and digital pharmacies
For eligible patients without insurance coverage, whose health plan does not yet cover Neffy, or who are on high-deductible plans, ARS Pharmaceuticals offers a cash price of $199 for two doses. This pricing is available through digital pharmacy partners like BlinkRx and can also be used with savings cards from services like GoodRx.
Co-pay savings for commercially insured patients
For those with commercial insurance, ARS Pharmaceuticals provides a co-pay savings program that can limit the out-of-pocket cost. Through this program, eligible patients can pay as little as $25 for each filled prescription of two single-use Neffy devices. This program is a major step in ensuring affordability for those with private insurance coverage.
Patient assistance for the uninsured or underinsured
For US residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or facing extreme financial hardship, ARS Pharmaceuticals offers a Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This program can provide Neffy at no cost to eligible patients who meet specific income and eligibility criteria. Details on qualifying income levels and the application process can be found on the ARS Pharma website.
Insurance coverage and navigation
Since its approval, Neffy's insurance coverage has expanded, though specific requirements can vary. ARS Pharma's patient support program, neffyconnect, offers resources to help navigate insurance requirements and potential barriers to access.
- Formulary Inclusion: Major insurers and pharmacy benefit managers, such as Cigna, OptumRx, and Navitus, have added Neffy to their national formularies. This expands coverage for millions of patients. ARS Pharma continues to work with other providers, including UnitedHealthcare, to expand formulary access.
- Prior Authorization and Step Therapy: Depending on the insurance provider, coverage may be subject to prior authorization or step therapy. Prior authorization requires your doctor to submit additional paperwork, while step therapy may require you to try a less expensive alternative, like an auto-injector, first. ARS Pharma notes that some plans offer access to Neffy without these restrictions.
- Checking Coverage: To determine your specific coverage, it is best to contact your insurance company directly. The
neffyconnectprogram also offers assistance in verifying coverage details and requirements.
Neffy vs. EpiPen: a cost and feature comparison
The introduction of Neffy brings new competition to the epinephrine market. The historical volatility of EpiPen pricing, which at one point soared to over $600 for a two-pack, highlights the importance of having alternatives. This market competition can influence pricing and improve access for patients.
| Feature | Neffy Nasal Spray | EpiPen (Brand) |
|---|---|---|
| Dosage Form | Nasal spray | Auto-injector |
| List Price (2-pack) | $710 | ~$600-$750 |
| Cash Price (2-pack) | $199 (via BlinkRx) | ~$300-$400 (Generic versions exist) |
| Insured Co-pay | As low as $25 (with program) | Varies by plan and program |
| Shelf-Life | 30 months | 18 months |
| Patient Population | Adult and pediatric patients ≥30kg. Lower dose for 15-30kg expected 2025. | Adult and pediatric patients ≥30kg. Epipen Jr. for 15-30kg. |
Making Neffy accessible for you
While the list price for Neffy is substantial, the variety of affordability programs offered by ARS Pharmaceuticals aims to ensure that no eligible patient is denied access due to cost. For commercially insured patients, the co-pay savings program dramatically reduces the out-of-pocket cost. For the uninsured or underinsured, the Patient Assistance Program provides a crucial lifeline.
Your next steps for accessing Neffy
- Consult with your physician: Discuss whether Neffy is an appropriate treatment for you based on your medical history, allergies, and comfort with different administration methods.
- Verify your insurance coverage: Contact your insurance provider directly or use the
neffyconnectprogram to understand your specific formulary and cost-sharing responsibilities. - Explore patient assistance: If you are uninsured or have high out-of-pocket costs, investigate the eligibility criteria for the ARS Patient Assistance Program.
- Compare digital pharmacy options: If you plan to pay cash, use services like BlinkRx or GoodRx to secure the lowest possible price of $199 for two doses.
Conclusion: A new landscape for anaphylaxis treatment
The introduction of Neffy as a needle-free alternative for anaphylaxis treatment marks a significant shift in patient options. By offering structured pricing tiers and robust patient assistance programs, ARS Pharmaceuticals is addressing the long-standing affordability and access issues that plagued the epinephrine market. While the list price of Neffy is high, the final cost to the patient is highly dependent on their insurance and ability to utilize available savings programs. The availability of different financial pathways, from co-pay cards to free medication for qualifying individuals, helps ensure that this important medical innovation is accessible to a wider range of the population. Patients are encouraged to research their personal cost options through their doctor and insurance provider to make an informed decision.
For more detailed information on affordability programs, visit the official ARS Pharma patient assistance page.
