Testing the Opportunity Hypothesis: Part 1

1. Hypothesis:
Victims to life-threatening allergies are unable to properly function in a world where any minute they could go into anaphylactic shock because epi-pens are not an efficient drug to carry around 24/7.

2 & 3. Who, What, Why and Explanations

The Who: 
People who have life-threatening allergies

This need is pretty secluded to this "who" group. Epinephrine, as I've learned is the only drug that can immediately prevent a deathly situation when an allergy victim interacts with that allergen. Epi-pens aren't used or prescribed to any other cause group with any other purpose.

The What: 
They are unable to function properly in everyday scenarios that may contribute to their death

Depending on the severity of the allergy, epi-pens may or may not be required to be carried around all the time. Allergies range from food, to venom, to pollen. However, the need for this one drug has remained consistent. When unavailable, an introduction to an individual's allergen could prevent them from functioning in every day situations, such as going for a walk, being near water, being outside in general, going to restaurants, etc. This is so preventative to the victim that it may cause major distress, anxiety and unhappiness in someone's life.

The Why:
The only drug that saves people from severe allergies is epinephrine, which is carried around in a huge, bulky needle called an epi-pen, that can be easily forgotten, misplaced, or hard to find and administer under dire and stressful situations

Epi-pens are not as easy as they seem. They are enormous, scary needles carried around in a large, though compact case. This case doesn't offer much variation, or ensure its presence near the body of the allergy victim. Not everyone has medical training, and it's not as easy as it seems to firmly press an large needle into yourself or another in need.

I am testing my belief that everyone has this problem with the model of epi-pens. I strongly believe that allergy victims all find epi-pens to be easily misplaced and difficult to administer. I also believe that epi-pens are frustrating to remember, though may not so much be the case for people who fall in the life or death category of the allergy.

4. Interviews

Christina - Mother of Allergy Victim

Kristin - Nurse Practitioner

Melanie - Nurse's Assistant

Evan - Severely Allergic to Bees

Jake - Severely Allergic to Peanut Butter



After my interviews, I realized many things I had not even considered before. Kristin explained to me that, not only is it more dangerous to administer an epi-pen too late, but it is also more expensive. Hospital bills for someone in a worse state than when admitted immediately after the allergic reaction occurs. Money is a huge factor for many people when considering their healthcare options and availability.

Another thing I learned really surprised me about our immune systems. It turns out that people with life threatening allergies aren't actually deficient in anything. Their immune system is actually working harder than the average; so, when something enters the body that it sees as a harm, its reaction becomes anaphylaxis because it goes into absolute shock and tries so hard to get it out. I also learned that bee stings are not the most common death allergy. As a matter of fact, it is a tie between peanuts and shellfish. Also, epi-pens aren't just for life-threatening allergies, but can be used for safety precaution for mild allergies. Finally, epi-pens aren't a save all. Unfortunately for certain severities, it is only a sort of "pause button" until they can receive care at a hospital.

These new facts have changed how exactly I see my potential opportunity. Epi-pens as of now aren't even a cure. Not only can I find a way to improve the efficiency of an epi-pen, but I can potentially find something that is stronger or more effective. I believe this opportunity has been around for a while, and has some incredible potential.