Skip to main content

Move over EpiPen: Researchers have invented the injection-free ‘epi pill’

move over epipen epipill aterica 0355
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Since first being brought to market in the 1980s, epinephrine auto injectors (most commonly known as EpiPens) have saved many lives by providing a way for individuals to treat anaphylaxis brought on by extreme allergic reactions.

But these epinephrine auto injectors aren’t perfect. Their patented design makes them expensive, but even if price is not an issue, they pose a number of other challenges.

Recommended Videos

“EpiPens are great at treating anaphylaxis, but the fact is that a lot of patients don’t like injections,” Dr. Mutasem Rawas-Qalaji, a pharmaceutical researcher at Nova Southeastern University in Florida who is working on an alternative to injections, told Digital Trends. “That’s especially true if they’re expected to self-inject. In some cases, patients would rather drive to the emergency room than inject themselves. That can cause a dangerous delay in treatment. The benefit of this work is that it’s about creating a novel dosage form that is more user-friendly, [which] patients won’t be afraid to use.”

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Rawas-Qalaji and his team have created an orally disintegrating tablet that goes under the tongue to provide epinephrine. It also solves other problems with EpiPens, such as the fact that they only come in fixed “adult” or “child” doses, which isn’t ideal when you’re dealing with a broad range of patients.

The tablet appears to offer many of the same benefits as an epinephrine auto injector, albeit packed into a much tinier form factor. It also has a longer shelf life.

As with any drug breakthrough, of course, inventing it is only part of the battle — it next needs to go through extensive testing and clinical trials.

“From a scientific perspective, we need to make sure we’re progressing this drug development in a way that takes into consideration every factor that may affect patient safety while ensuring efficacy,” Rawas-Qalaji continued. “There are certain clinical trials and approval steps this needs to go through to prove safety and efficacy in humans before it can be made available to the public. However, I’m hoping this will be something we can see used in the next few years.”

Luke Dormehl
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I'm a UK-based tech writer covering Cool Tech at Digital Trends. I've also written for Fast Company, Wired, the Guardian…
Hyundai Ioniq 5 sets world record for greatest altitude change
hyundai ioniq 5 world record altitude change mk02 detail kv

When the Guinness World Records (GWR) book was launched in 1955, the idea was to compile facts and figures that could finally settle often endless arguments in the U.K.’s many pubs.

It quickly evolved into a yearly compilation of world records, big and small, including last year's largest grilled cheese sandwich in the world.

Read more
Global EV sales expected to rise 30% in 2025, S&P Global says
ev sales up 30 percent 2025 byd sealion 7 1stbanner l

While trade wars, tariffs, and wavering subsidies are very much in the cards for the auto industry in 2025, global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are still expected to rise substantially next year, according to S&P Global Mobility.

"2025 is shaping up to be ultra-challenging for the auto industry, as key regional demand factors limit demand potential and the new U.S. administration adds fresh uncertainty from day one," says Colin Couchman, executive director of global light vehicle forecasting for S&P Global Mobility.

Read more
Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025
Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Read more