The overdose stopper is a simple innovation that can change the course of the worldwide opioid overdose crisis.

Every day more than 130 Americans die from opioid overdoses. Most of these users were prescribed opioids and then fell into heroin addiction. The most common cause of death—contaminated drugs. To maximize profits, drug dealers lace their supply with lethal contaminants like fentanyl, carfentanil, and benzodiazepines.

The Overdose Stopper is the first-ever syringe with a built-in detection system for dangerous contaminants, turning the very object that was delivering death by overdose into a life-saving device. Fentanyl test strips have existed for years. But users refuse to use them because they add another step to the process of getting their hit. And they can only detect fentanyl. When a drug user draws a lethal dose into the Overdose Stopper, a reagent patch changes color to inform the user of any contaminant. A sticker on the syringe asks users to Look Before You Shoot—a moment’s pause with the potential to save thousands.

We began designing the solution to contain the reagent within the syring in April, 2019, and after many test phases we had 7 working prototypes on the second week of October, 2019. Since then, we have been working rapidly with syringe manufacturers to outline the FDA approvals process toward implementing our application machine to be able to scale safely. The goal is to start saving lives from overdose within the next 18-24 months (under FDA's expedited approval process for life-saving devices).

The Overdose Stopper is the first-ever syringe with a built-in detection system for dangerous contaminants, turning the very object that was delivering death by overdose into a life-saving device. We were able to contain and isolate the reagents within the syringe with a gel, being able to hold it so it changes color once in contact with the dangerous substance while still not contaminating the liquid so it's safe for the user. When a drug user draws a lethal dose into the Overdose Stopper, a reagent patch changes color to inform the user of any contaminant. A sticker on the syringe asks users to Look Before You Shoot—a moment’s pause with the potential to save thousands. The overdose stopper is a simple innovation that can change the course of the worldwide opioid overdose crisis.

In partnership with Washington Heights Corner Project, one of New York’s leading harm reduction organizations, we are working rapidly with syringe manufacturers to outline the FDA approvals process toward implementing our application machine. The goal is to start saving lives from overdose within the next 18-24 months (under FDA's expedited approval process for life-saving devices).