BACHELOR THESIS / 2020-2021 / SOLO PROJECT

Immunotherapy at home

People affected by allergies often encounter additional challenges in life and may fear situations that others find enjoyable. Allergen immunotherapy is the only known process that can provide long-term relief. Currently, the treatment is not only complex but also extremely time-consuming, and the prevalence of allergies is expected to increase in the future. Therefore, I have developed a system concept aimed at significantly enhancing the treatment experience for patients.

* Product family

In short

Allergy shots are a type of allergen immunotherapy where the patient receives weekly injections of small amounts of allergen into the arm. These injections are typically administered at a medical practice to monitor the patient’s vitals after the treatment. This allows the doctor to respond promptly in case of an anaphylactic shock. However, due to the need for frequent appointments, the treatment can be very time-consuming and inconvenient.

  • Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment for allergies where you expose yourself to small amounts of the allergen substance to desensitize your immune system. The goal is to decrease your sensitivity so that exposure to the allergen in the environment no longer leads to an allergic reaction.

  • Immunotherapy at home has not been widely adopted for a reason. The treatment process is intricate and complex, particularly for individuals without a medical background. Complications can be painful for the patient, and allergy shots may need to be repeated.

  • After the initial months, side effects are less likely to occur, which makes home therapy a viable option with the appropriate equipment.

Conclusion

The system is designed to safely guide you through immunotherapy and support your daily life. It includes trackers and injectors housed in a portable charging and storage station. Doctors provide vials to patients in a cooling box for the next 12 weeks, ensuring proper storage of the medication.

Benefit

Reduced visits

The patient cant now self-medicate and only needs a check-up every 12 weeks.

Reduced risk

The risk of the user miss-filling the syringes is completely eliminated.

Pre-warning

The tracker enables a pre-warning system, which can be worn also when eating out.

Freedom

The device can be accompanied on travels in a small size for up to two weeks.

Reduced waste

The syringes are designed to be partly reused and contain less waste material.

Self-injection

The Injection of the needle is less invasive and safer for the user than with normal syringes.

Process

User Journey - today

The therapy typically takes about 60 minutes per week, encompassing preparation, treatment, and recovery time. Traditionally, this time would be spent at the doctor's office, waiting for an injection and undergoing monitoring for adverse reactions.

Simplify Injection Process

To simplify the allergy shot treatment for home use, I designed an optimized system: The vials contain a predetermined amount of liquid, but vary in the concentration of allergens. The process becomes safer by combining a neutral liquid with the allergens, which are pre-mixed for the patient.

* from filling syringes to pre-filled capsule to reduce risk

Injection Journey

If the syringe isn't administered correctly, the therapy may not be effective, which is why we typically depend on medically trained professionals for the injection. However, for patients who have progressed in their therapy, an alternative is possible: an injector for allergy shots, similar to insulin pens.

* self-administration of allergy shots through injection device

Tracking device

In the initial 30 minutes, side effects are most likely to occur. Early intervention is crucial for effectively managing symptoms. Symptoms often start with an increased heart rate and fluctuations in blood oxygen levels, which can be monitored. Therefore, wearing a tracker during treatment is essential for safety and prompt response to any potential issues.

* early detection of allergy reactions for faster reaction time
* prototype testing - Geldpads and 3d-prints

Storage and Transport

With this proposed vial system, patients need to visit the doctor only every twelve weeks to replenish their supply. In the meantime, the transportation and disposal box can be used for safekeeping. After using a vial, simply return the empty case to its designated slot. This ensures both safety and provides a clear overview of the current treatment progress.

* capsule storage for up to 12 weeks of treatment time