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Who invented the new Auvi-Q epinephrine talking devise?

UPDATE: In late October 2015,  Sanofi US recalls all Auvi-Q and Allerject devises. Will let you know as soon as they get back in the market. We hope to see them back soon.





Eric and Evan Edward at age 3
Twin brothers Eric and Evan Edwards grew up with severe food allergies and having to self carry Epipen's at all times motivated them to create the Auvi-Q. rectangular devise. The Epipen and Auvi-Q contain the same drug epinephrine, which can help stop a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis from becoming fatal.


The brothers had the idea of creating a smaller and easier to carry epinephrine auto injector devise and they geared their studies in fields that would help them reach their goal. Evan chose engineering, studying at the University of Virginia. Eric pursued a medical path, eventually earning a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University. 


One of the courses Evan chose was an invention and design class taught by Larry G. Richards, an engineering professor at the University of Virginia, where students were encouraged to share their ideas with one another. Working with Mr. Richards and another professor he kept working on his idea of creating a rectangular devise and was awarded a college inventors grant that provided the initial start-up financing that help start the project. After college, the brothers founded a company, Intelliject, to bring their idea to market
with the investments from family and friends.


The product evolved as the years passed, retaining its rectangular profile but integrating other innovative features along the way. Eric had the idea of adding voice instructions to help others use the device in situations where they might be too panicked to read written instructions. A retractable needle was also added later, with the thought that patients would be more comfortable if they didn’t have to see it.  
Eric, left, and Evan Edwards
In 2009, Intelliject licensed the product to Sanofi for an initial payment of $25 million and up to $205 million in future milestone payments and royalties. The Food and Drug Administration approved the Auvi-Q in summer 2012.

The brothers idea resulted in the invention of a slim device shaped like a smartphone with automated voice instructions that became available for consumers to buy in the US in January 2013. 

 The launch of Auvi-Q marked the culmination of an amazing quest the Edwards brothers began 15 years ago. Their efforts and hard work resulted in the creation, development, and distribution of an epinephrine auto injector devise that will help save the life of many who suffer from anaphylaxis allergies, and for which food allergic individuals and their families will always be grateful for.