What's Happening?
Aquestive Therapeutics has announced that the FDA will not require an Advisory Committee meeting for the review of its New Drug Application (NDA) for Anaphylm, a sublingual film designed for the rescue
treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The NDA is progressing towards its scheduled PDUFA goal date of January 31, 2026. Anaphylm, if approved, would be the first oral medication for such treatments, offering a needle-free, portable, and easy-to-administer option. Aquestive is preparing for a potential U.S. launch in the first quarter of 2026, expanding its commercial and medical infrastructure to support this initiative. The company is also advancing regulatory activities in Canada and the EU, aiming to expand access to its non-invasive epinephrine therapy globally.
Why It's Important?
The development of Anaphylm represents a significant advancement in the treatment of severe allergic reactions, potentially improving patient compliance and accessibility. The needle-free formulation could overcome barriers associated with traditional epinephrine administration methods, which often involve injections. This innovation could lead to increased market share for Aquestive Therapeutics, as it addresses a critical unmet need in emergency medicine. The company's strategic expansion into international markets further underscores the potential global impact of Anaphylm, enhancing its commercial viability and accessibility to patients worldwide.
What's Next?
Aquestive Therapeutics is actively preparing for the U.S. launch of Anaphylm, contingent upon FDA approval. The company is expanding its commercial readiness across distribution, medical affairs, and marketing channels. Concurrently, Aquestive is pursuing regulatory engagement in Canada and the EU, which could open new markets for its non-invasive epinephrine therapy. The issuance of new patents extending protection into 2037 reinforces Anaphylm's long-term commercial potential. Additionally, Aquestive is advancing its product candidate AQST-108, a topical epinephrine gel for alopecia areata, with plans to submit an IND application to the FDA in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Beyond the Headlines
The introduction of Anaphylm could shift the paradigm in emergency allergy treatment, emphasizing non-invasive and patient-friendly solutions. This development may prompt ethical discussions regarding accessibility and affordability of innovative treatments. The potential success of Anaphylm could encourage further investment in similar non-invasive therapies, driving long-term shifts in pharmaceutical development strategies. Additionally, the expansion into international markets highlights the growing importance of global regulatory harmonization in the pharmaceutical industry.
