COLD SPRINGS, Ky. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Neffy on Aug. 9. It is the first ever nasal spray to treat anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.

Mother of two, Chris Hoffman, said she's making sure 6-year-old Teddy knows how to administer his EpiPen in case of an emergency.

"Teddy is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts and egg, so we have to carry an EpiPen with us everywhere that we go," Hoffman said. 

If Teddy were exposed to these products, his body would go into anaphylactic shock: a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can develop rapidly and affect multiple parts of the body.

Teddy was diagnosed at just 6 months old. His parents have spent years making sure he understands the severity of his allergies and what to do if he needs his medicine.

However, both he and his mom have concerns about the use of needles, which is why Chris said an alternative course of treatment would be life-changing. 

"I feel like it would be easier and less stressful to have him do a nasal spray," she said. "He likes something that he's used before, something that he's familiar with." 

Najeeb Khan, who has been an allergy specialist for the last few years, said Neffy will influence more people to administer medication without delay.

"Anything that comes with needles carries a lot of fear, so I think ... there was a need for a non-injectable device in our community for a long time," Khan said. 

Chris said she's thankful an alternative option is coming and is fortunate Teddy hasn't had to use his EpiPen. 

"I'm so thankful for the folks that were working on it because I never want to find myself in a situation where we have to use this EpiPen," she said. "If we could use a nasal spray instead, that would be a game-changer.”

Until the release of Neffy, Chris said she'll continue to empower Teddy to handle his allergies with confidence. Neffy is expected to be released in nearly eight weeks.