Naloxone Auto-injector (Evzio) for Opioid Substance Use Disorder

Opioids are a type of drug that are used to treat pain but they may also be misused as they are highly addictive and lead to temporary feelings of intense pleasure. Addiction to opioids can develop very quickly, even when taken in small amounts. Treatment for opioid addiction can involve addicts being given carefully prescribed alternative drugs to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. People who take opioids are at risk of overdose, which can lead to death. Symptoms of opioid overdose include drowsiness, muscle spasms and slow, shallow breathing.
Evzio is being developed as an injectable device that contains naloxone, a drug used to reverse the effects of opioid drug overdose. It is designed to be easily administered by non-health professionals in a non-clinical setting. If licensed it has the potential to improve emergency responses to opioid overdoses as it can be used in the home environment, enabling caregivers to respond quickly and confidently due to the voice and visual guidance provided with the device.