Child-Friendly Breakthrough in Needle Pain Management

Atlanta, GA – March 9, 2010 – MMJ Labs has given patients a new level of control over needle pain thanks to its new over-the-counter device, “Buzzy®”. In a randomized controlled trial, Buzzy decreased children’s pain with intravenous catheter insertion significantly more than leading prescription interventions.  IV attempts with Buzzy were also three times as likely to be successful.

The recent study, “Buzzy: A Novel Device Combining Cold and Vibration to Decrease Pediatric Venipuncture Pain,” is being presented at the International Symposium on Pediatric Pain on March 10, 2010. The study randomized 81 children to Buzzy or standard care, (primarily cold spray); topical anesthetics were used equally in both groups.  Children and their parents reported significantly less pain using a Faces pain rating scale; videotapes scored by blinded observers were also significant for decreased distress.  Additionally, success with IV or lab draw was higher in the Buzzy group, although this finding was not significant.

Dr. Amy Baxter, pediatric emergency physician, pain researcher, and mother, concluded that doctors didn’t care enough about pain.  After five years of research she invented a new technology and packaged it in a device that resembles a friendly bee character.  Non-threatening Buzzy can be used safely and easily by medical professionals and patients’ parents alike to quickly numb the skin through vibration and cold.  Although pediatric hospitals are currently the main consumers, this device is also offered directly to patients through the company’s website.  Dr. Baxter points out, “Instead of being dependent on the healthcare system to provide pain relief, a family can now bring Buzzy and not have to worry if the nurse is in a hurry.”

Buzzy is unique in the pain prevention field because it:

• Is completely reusable.
• Is effective in seconds.
• Is combines multiple proven pain management strategies.
• Is designed to generate no medical waste.
• Requires no prescription.

“About 15% of adults and twice as many kids are severely afraid of needles.” Dr. Baxter explains, “Buzzy can give a sense of control.  Yeah, they have to have a shot, but it’s no biggie if they have Buzzy to help the hurt.  Kids are less scared because they trust Buzzy.”

A pilot of the technology published last October in the Clinical Journal of Pain confirms effective needle pain relief in adults as well.  In addition, Dr. Baxter is currently researching immunization pain relief in a series of studies funded by the National Institutes of Health.

MMJ Labs is a personal pain control company whose mission is to give patients control over their procedural pain. Founded by a pediatric emergency doctor, researcher and mother of three, MMJ Labs is the maker of Buzzy®, a handheld device that alleviates the pain from shots and other needle sticks though a combination of vibration and cold.  Learn more at www.buzzy4shots.com.

Media Contact
Kathy Ferguson
877.805.2899 x106

kferguson@mmjlabs.com