Sanofi Canada announces new option for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis

SANOFI CANADAJan 28 2013

Sanofi Canada announces a new option for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. Allerject™ is the first and only 'talking' epinephrine auto-injector in Canada.

"Sanofi is excited about being able to offer Allerject™," says Jon Fairest , President and CEO of Sanofi Canada. "Allerject™ is designed to address unmet patient needs and make a positive difference in the lives of those at risk of a severe allergic reaction, and those who care for them."

Although the precise number of people at risk of anaphylaxis is unknown, a recent study found that approximately 7% (or about 2.5 million Canadians) self-report a food allergy. Epinephrine is the drug of choice for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, and is the medicine in the Allerject^TM auto-injector.

"Anaphylaxis is potentially life-threatening for many thousands of Canadians, and for these individuals, the prompt and correct use of an epinephrine auto-injector is essential in an allergic emergency," notes Dr. Peter Vadas , a Toronto allergist and Director, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, at St. Michael's Hospital.

Yet according to research, many patients do NOT know how to properly use an auto-injector. In studies, only a modest number (30-44%) were able to demonstrate correct self-administration.

Allerject™ 'talks'. To help patients and caregivers correctly use the auto-injector, Allerject™ comes equipped with automated voice instructions (in either English or French) which will guide them step-by-step through the injection process in the event of an emergency.

Studies also indicate that a significant number of at-risk individuals (between 30% and 70%) do NOT always carry their auto-injectors as recommended by physicians. Research shows that the size and shape of existing auto-injectors may deter some patients from carrying the device.

Allerject™ is compact. It is the shape of a credit card and the thickness of a cell phone and fits comfortably in a pocket or small purse. It has been designed to be easy for patients to carry - to assist them in complying with recommendations that epinephrine should be available at all times.

Allerject™ was developed by patients, for patients.

The inventors of Allerject™ are twin brothers, Eric and Evan Edwards , both severely allergic to certain foods. "We're patients too, and we wanted an auto-injector that would address gaps in the care of individuals at risk of anaphylaxis," explains Eric.

Allerject™ has a number of other features designed to assist in the delivery of epinephrine during an anaphylaxis reaction:

• A light signals when the injection is complete.
• A retractable needle system. Patients never see the needle - before, during or after injection.
• A press-and-hold injection method.
• The automated voice counts down the five seconds of injection time ("5-4-3-2-1, injection complete").