Epi: The Elegant Epinephrine Auto-injector

Revolutionizing Allergy Emergency Response

Epi was inspired by the need to empower individuals with severe food allergies, who often carry medical devices that can be stigmatizing and limit their activities. In the event of an anaphylactic allergic reaction, time is of the essence, and immediate treatment with epinephrine is crucial. Epi addresses this need by expediting onsite emergency response time, ensuring users receive professional medical care as quickly as possible.

What sets Epi apart from previous life-saving medical devices is its accessibility and elegance. Designed to be carried with confidence, Epi eliminates social stigma and allows users to lead active lives without self-consciousness. When a user senses an allergic reaction, Epi can be quickly accessed to inject epinephrine into their muscle tissue. Simultaneously, Epi's smartphone-integrated application is triggered, notifying 911 emergency services of the user's exact location, allergy susceptibility, and personal information.

The technology behind Epi is realized through a combination of injection molding for the device's components and Saf-T-Temp technology for the carrying case lining. Saf-T-Temp features phase-changing materials that keep the epinephrine within the required temperature range. With dimensions of 23mm width, 179mm depth, and 13mm height, Epi is compact and ergonomic.

Yale Shaw's design process for Epi involved extensive research and prototyping. Recognizing the need for immediate access, Shaw developed a lightweight and easy-to-use device that is approximately the size of a pen. The challenge of housing all the necessary technology and mechanical components was overcome by carefully considering manufacturability, ensuring that Epi could become a reality in the pharmaceutical market.

Epi has been recognized for its ingenuity and contribution to improving quality of life. In 2016, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Medical Devices and Medical Equipment category. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology.

Epi is not just a life-saving device; it is a symbol of empowerment for individuals with severe food allergies. By combining elegance, accessibility, and advanced technology, Epi is revolutionizing allergy emergency response and making the world a safer place for those who live with severe food allergies.