AUTO-INJECTOR ALTERNATIVES
Windgap Medical
This Boston startup is working to develop an epinephrine auto-injector that’s 40 percent smaller than current auto-injectors, simple to use, and has a long shelf life. This new auto-injector stores the drug in a temp-stable, dry form until it’s needed. Upon activation, the device rapidly and automatically mixes the dry drug to form a solution when the cap is removed. According to Windgap’s CEO, the improved temperature stability means that if their epinephrine auto-injector is left in a hot car on a sunny day, it won’t have to be thrown away. Windgap’s product will be submitted for FDA review in 2018.
Details: windgapmedical.com
Epi-Pill
Researchers in Florida are working to develop a dissolvable pill that, when placed under the tongue, will reportedly deliver epinephrine as effectively as an auto-injector. While this product may be more portable, affordable and easier to use than an injector, it has yet to be tested on patients experiencing anaphylactic shock. Currently, they are still awaiting FDA approval to begin testing and trials.
Details: popsci.com
AUVI-Q
Since the 2015 recall of AUVI-Q, Kaleo took back the license to manufacture the popular auto-injector and has invested in new systems to ensure “accurate, reliable and consistent delivery” from the product. In February 2017, AUVI-Q returned to the market with an unprecedented affordability plan. AUVI-Q is the same portable size and still features the unique voice prompt system that offers users step-by-step instructions. For more information, check out Spokin’s AUVI-FAQ and learn How To Get AUVI-Q For $0.
Details: auvi-q.com
PRODUCTS + GADGETS
From pocket-sized food testers to high-tech bracelets for kids, discover inventions that are providing practical solutions to everyday problems.
Allergy Amulet
Abigail Barnes, the co-founder and CEO of Allergy Amulet, has suffered from several life-threatening food allergies since childhood. After teaming up with a chemistry professor at Dartmouth who also has food allergies, this line of sleek, wearable food allergen and ingredient detection devices was developed. Their USB-sized reader and disposable test strips will detect peanuts initially, with plans to expand to dairy and other common allergens and ingredients shortly thereafter. Pre-orders are set to begin in 2017. The reader will cost somewhere between $100 and $250, and disposable test strips will cost between $1 and $3 each.
Details: allergyamulet.com
Nima
This pocket-sized gluten sensor, which will be shipping out to consumers in the spring of 2017, can detect minuscule amounts of gluten in foods in less than 3 minutes. They plan to offer devices that test for peanuts and milk in the near future. Currently, Nima starter kits cost $279.
Details: nimasensor.com
AllerGuarder
Allergy bracelets are getting a high-tech upgrade, thanks to AllerGuarder. This colorful children’s wrist band creates a virtual defense shield around the wearer using Bluetooth technology and a free mobile app. First, select a color and a charm that lists the allergen. Then, invite friends, family, school faculty and other caregivers to download the app on their smartphones. When a child wearing this bracelet is nearby, adults will get an alert on their phones that details the child’s allergens and any other information the parent chooses to share, reminding caregivers to stay vigilant when a parent isn’t present. AllerGuarder is available now on Amazon for $80.95 and additional charms can be purchased on their website.
Details: allerguarder.com
PREVENTATIVES
Introducing infants to potential allergens can be stressful for any mom or dad, especially if that baby is classified as “high risk.” Check out three new companies striving to simplify parents’ lives.
Aralyte
Using precise doses of liquified peanut protein, Aralyte’s goal is to introduce a common allergen into the diets of babies as young as 4 months old as conveniently as possible. This liquid can be mixed into breast milk, formula or pureed foods without presenting a choking hazard. A two-week supply is now available for $29 on Amazon.
Details: aralyte.com
Hello, Peanut!
Since the LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut) study found that an early introduction of nuts into an infant’s diet could prevent an allergy from developing, parents – and companies – have been searching for safe, effective solutions. This system enables parents to gradually introduce peanuts to babies as young as 5 months. The powder, which is organic and allergist recommended, can be mixed into baby food over the course of seven days. Introduction kits are currently sold at $25.
Details: hello-peanut.com
Inspired Start
With Inspired Start food pouches, families can introduce eight common allergens to their little ones just like any other solid food. Each pouch contains an organic fruit puree and a small amount of one potentially allergenic protein. This simple early allergen introduction product was created with the help of leading allergists, nutritionists, and the “Inspired Start Board of Moms.” Plus, each delicious recipe has been taste-test approved by plenty of babies! Inspired Start is now available on their website and Amazon Prime.
Details: inspired-start.com
SpoonfulOne
This health and wellness company hopes to put a stop to food allergies before they start. CEO Ashley Dombkowski, Ph.D. and co-founder Dr. Kari Nadeau are uniquely qualified for the task. Ashley was the Chief Business Officer at 23andMe as well as an active investor and serial entrepreneur in the healthcare industry. Dr. Nadeau is a pediatrician and the director of the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy Research at Stanford University and the woman behind the breakthrough oral immunotherapy (OIT) trials. Together, they have developed an easy way to introduce allergens into children’s lives at a very early age in the form of a daily mix-in powder. Read our in-depth interview with Ashley for more!
Details: spoonfulone.com
BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENTS
Brilliant minds across the country are currently running tests and trials, hoping to someday improve the lives of allergy sufferers. Find out what’s on the horizon.
ClostraBio
Scientists at the University of Chicago are developing a drug, ClostraBio, to treat childhood food allergies through the gut. Led by Dr. Cathy Nagler, researchers are making breakthrough discoveries about the gut’s complex microbiome (made up of trillions of bacteria living inside all of us) and its ability to create a barrier that stops allergens from entering the bloodstream. While new medications are still a year or two from clinical trials, they’ve already identified a difference in the gut bacteria of babies who have cow’s milk allergies and infants who do not.
Details: clostrabio.com
Aimmune Therapeutics Inc.
Aimmune’s lead product candidate, AR101, seeks to safely and reliably protect peanut-allergic children and adults in cases of accidental exposure to peanut. People who receive this promising treatment will sprinkle gradually increasing amounts of AR101 on their food over a set amount of time, with the goal of increasing the amount of peanut protein an individual can tolerate. The FDA has already granted AR101 “Breakthrough Therapy Designation” and “Fast Track Designation” statuses, which may help expedite AR101’s availability to patients and allergy clinics throughout the United States. Aimmune is also reportedly working on similar treatments for other food allergies.
Details: aimmune.com
Intrommune Therapeutics
Some day soon, immunotherapy may be as simple as brushing your teeth. Intrommune Therapeutics is striving to develop an oral mucosal immunotherapy (OMIT) product that delivers small extracts of common food allergens via a prescription toothpaste that is fully-functional for regular dental hygiene. This therapy is designed to become part of your everyday routine, and over an extended period of time, desensitize people to certain foods.
Details: intrommune.com
