A new study presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting suggests that needle-free epinephrine could significantly improve how individuals affected by severe allergies respond to life-threatening reactions.
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a rapid and potentially fatal allergic reaction. Mast cell disorders, including systemic mastocytosis (SM), significantly increase the risk of anaphylaxis due to an excessive number of mast cells or heightened mast cell sensitivity.
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For years, auto-injectors such as EpiPens have been the standard emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. However, concerns about needle size, portability and temperature sensitivity may be affecting whether patients consistently carry and promptly use these devices.
Researchers conducted an online survey involving 210 patients and caregivers of children at risk for anaphylaxis to examine preferences for current and in-development epinephrine delivery systems. The findings revealed overwhelming interest in alternatives to traditional needle-based auto-injectors.
The majority of participants (90%) said they somewhat or strongly preferred a needle-free option, and 89% indicated they would favor a smaller, easier-to-carry device. Temperature stability was also a major concern, with 86% agreeing they worry about how heat exposure could affect their epinephrine.
When asked to rank the most important factors in choosing an epinephrine device, 77% said the ease of use was their top priority. Seventy-one percent emphasized the importance of being able to carry the device at all times, while 61% said their healthcare provider’s recommendation would heavily influence their decision.
The survey also asked about anticipated response time to an allergic reaction using different delivery systems. Participants said they would administer a needle-free form of epinephrine an average of three minutes earlier than a traditional auto-injector: seven minutes after symptom onset compared with 10 minutes. In cases of anaphylaxis, where symptoms can escalate rapidly, even a few minutes may be life-saving.
“Respondents indicated a strong preference for needle-free, highly portable epinephrine forms,” the researchers concluded. “Needle-free epinephrine forms are associated with higher self-reported anticipated carriage rates and faster anticipated usage during an allergic reaction compared to auto-injectors.”
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