The EpiPen is a potentially life-saving device which is used to inject an emergency dose of
epinephrine to counteract anaphylactic allergic reactions or asthma. As the dominant auto-
injector in the market, it comprises over 95% of prescriptions. In 2016, controversy
erupted at the outrageous retail price of $600 for a two-pack of EpiPens, which
represented a 500% increase since 2009.
In the aftermath of the scandal, a collective of citizen scientists created a free online guide
and a 5 minute YouTube video on how to make an “EpiPencil” for just $30. Although
apparently simple, patients who follow the guide will be building medical devices without
regulation, potentially opening themselves up to danger.
Typically, epinephrine would require a prescription to ensure patient safety and adequate
dosing. Their initiative, however, isn’t so much a rogue approach to manufacturing
medicine, but a proof of concept that there are accessible alternatives, and a call for the
development of technologies that can compete in the market by providing affordable
options.
The collective is now working on open-source approaches to drug manufacture and
synthesis generally. Most notably, this has recently included an automated lab reactor. This
reactor can be set to synthesize different medications and built with off-the-shelf parts.
After beta testing, it could become an essential tool in empowering individuals to be in
control of their health, and it could shift the paradigm: the current patent model may
transition to an open source innovation model which, if regulated to ensure the safety of
the applications, could enable much more affordable healthcare.