Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of epinephrine sublingual film versus intra-muscular epinephrine

Intramuscular (IM) injection of epinephrine as first-line treatment for acute allergic reactions and anaphylaxis presents some challenges that can lead to incorrect administration or delays in use. AQST-109 is the first and only sublingual film using a novel prodrug of epinephrine (DESF) being developed for the same target indication as epinephrine injection in the emergency treatment of Type 1 allergic reactions. This study was conducted to compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles of epinephrine following administration of sublingual DESF versus 0.3 mg IM injection.