RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intelliject, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Auvi-Q™ (epinephrine injection, USP) for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions in people who are at risk or have a history of anaphylaxis. This is the first-and-only compact auto-injector with audio and visual cues that guide patients and caregivers step-by-step through the injection process.
Eric and Evan Edwards, twin brothers who jointly founded Intelliject and who themselves suffer from severe, life-threatening allergies, developed Auvi-Q with a team of world-class engineers and scientists using a comprehensive Human Factors Engineering process. This development process incorporated real-world experiences and feedback from patients and caregivers.
“In developing Auvi-Q, our goal is to offer patients and caregivers an innovative treatment option that is easy to use in an emergency,” said Eric Edwards, Chief Science Officer, Intelliject, Inc. “As allergy sufferers, my twin brother and I know first-hand how stressful it can be when you experience a severe allergic reaction. Auvi-Q’s small size and intuitive design, as well as its first-in-class prompt system that talks a user through the injection process, will help patients and caregivers manage a life-threatening allergic reaction.”
Auvi-Q contains epinephrine, the well-established, first-line treatment for severe, life-threatening allergic reactions that may occur as a result of exposure to allergens including nuts, shellfish, dairy, eggs, insect bites, latex and medication, and others.
“The FDA approval of Auvi-Q is an important milestone for the company and is a result of our steadfast commitment to developing patient-centric products,” said Spencer Williamson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Intelliject, Inc. “We are building on this approval and have a pipeline of drug/device combination products for select therapy areas.”
Intelliject, Inc. was responsible for the development and regulatory submission of Auvi-Q in the U.S. Sanofi US is responsible for manufacturing and commercial activities in North America (U.S. and Canada).
About Auvi-Q
Auvi-Q (epinephrine injection, USP) is used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in people who are at risk for or have a history of these reactions. It is the size and shape of a credit card, the thickness of a cell phone and fits comfortably in a pocket or small purse.
During a life-threatening allergic reaction, it talks the user through each step of the injection process. If the patient or caregiver needs more time, it repeats the step-by-step directions. Alternatively, a patient or caregiver can move at his or her own pace by following the printed instructions on the device.
Auvi-Q provides users with audible and visual cues for correct use - including a five-second injection countdown and an alert light to signal when the injection is complete. In addition to being an auto-injector, it features an automatic retractable needle mechanism to help prevent accidental needle sticks.
Available in two different dosages; the Auvi-Q 0.3mg is intended for patients who weigh 66 pounds or more, and Auvi-Q 0.15mg is intended for patients who weigh 33 – 66 pounds. Auvi-Q was not studied in patients weighing less than 33 pounds. Each Auvi-Q pack contains two products - containing one dose of epinephrine each - and a trainer that contains no needle or epinephrine.
Clinical Study Background
In a clinical study, Auvi-Q was well tolerated and resulted in epinephrine plasma concentration levels that were bioequivalent to EpiPen ®.
Important Safety Information
Auvi-Q is for immediate self (or caregiver) administration and does not take the place of emergency medical care. Seek immediate medical treatment after use. Each Auvi-Q contains a single dose of epinephrine. Auvi-Q should only be injected into your outer thigh. DO NOT INJECT INTO BUTTOCK OR INTRAVENOUSLY. If you accidently inject Auvi-Q into any other part of your body, seek immediate medical treatment. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.
If you take certain medicines, you may develop serious life-threatening side effects from epinephrine. Be sure to tell your doctor all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. Side effects may be increased in patients with certain medical conditions, or who take certain medicines. These include asthma, allergies, depression, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The most common side effects may include increase in heart rate, stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness, or anxiety. These side effects go away quickly, especially if you rest.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see www.Auvi-Q.com for full prescribing information.
About Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis (pronounced ana-fuh-lax-is) is a serious allergic reaction that happens quickly and may cause death. It can occur as a result of exposure to allergens including nuts, shellfish, dairy, eggs, insect bites, latex and medication, among other allergens. Food is the most commonly-identified anaphylaxis trigger and accounts for 30 percent of all anaphylaxis fatalities.
According to the 2010 AAAAI Practice Parameters, up to six million Americans may be at risk for anaphylaxis, although the precise incidence of anaphylaxis is unknown and is likely underreported. Numerous studies indicate that the rate of anaphylaxis has increased in recent years, particularly among those under 20.
The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary from person to person and from one episode to the next. Some people may have hives/itching, facial or tongue swelling, which makes it difficult to breath or swallow, while others may experience nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may begin within seconds, minutes or hours after exposure to the allergen. The best prevention method of anaphylaxis is avoidance of the specific allergen(s).
When an allergic reaction occurs, epinephrine should be administered immediately and patients and caregivers should seek immediate medical attention. Patients and caregivers should always carry and know how to use an epinephrine auto-injector to treat emergency allergic reactions. Without treatment, anaphylaxis can result in death within a matter of minutes.
About Intelliject
Intelliject is a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing drug/device combination products that empower patients to gain freedom from their medical conditions. Each Intelliject product combines an established drug with an innovative delivery platform with the goal of achieving superiority, patient preference and cost effectiveness.
Intelliject applies rigorous selection criteria to identify areas where its patient-centric approach and proprietary technology will offer superior solutions. The company only proceeds to an active development program once it has established that incremental clinical and economic benefit is achievable.
Intelliject is a privately-held company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
For online information please visit www.intelliject.com.
Intelliject Disclaimer
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