Mylan, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts partner to increase access to epinephrine

PITTSBURGH — Mylan on Friday announced that it has signed an agreement with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to help increase awareness of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. The multi-year agreement includes updated maps in Disney's domestic theme parks and cruise ships, as well as updated signage in the parks that highlight locations with EpiPen (epinephrine) and EpiPen Jr (epinephrine) auto-injectors. The companies will also over time introduce a variety of educational resources aimed at increasing awareness and preparedness for allergic reactions. 

 

The rollout at Disney Parks and cruise ships will begin in late 2014. EpiPen locations will be marked on Disney's guide maps with a special symbol. And in addition to emergency medical services, nurses trained to administer EpiPen auto-injectors are available during First Aid station operating hours to assist guests who may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction.

 

"Mylan's mission is to provide the world's 7 billion people access to high quality medicine and set new standards in health care. In support of this mission, we are committed to enhancing access to EpiPen Auto-Injectors and to increasing awareness of anaphylaxis. Like life, severe allergic reactions are unpredictable, so people need to be prepared," said Mylan CEO Heather Bresch. "We are very proud to be working with Disney, which already has a strong reputation for meeting the needs of people managing severe allergies, and believe we can further raise awareness of anaphylaxis through this collaboration and our joint commitment to education."

 

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment when anaphylaxis occurs, the company said, which makes access critical. 

 

"For our guests who live with severe allergies every day, identifying EpiPen locations is an additional tool they'll have for their anaphylaxis management plan," said Dr. Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "This new strategic alliance will help raise awareness of EpiPen locations so that our guests with severe allergies may have the best possible experience at our parks and on our cruise ships."