Smart Inhalers

Not to be outdone on just smart devices for injectables, there are also companies looking to track adherence with inhalers on the market. This sector is rather interesting as it has slowly matured in the past five years and now we see a few companies that have now carved out this market niche for themselves. The most obvious use of these products has been disease management for Asthma and COPD (e.g., a patient starting to overuse their SABA may be worth investigating). Now, some of these companies could just as well be classified as DTx (due to the disease management side), but since they deal with medications they are on this list.

Note: Several companies such as 3M, Amiko (though this one has some interesting press and partners with Teva I may end up changing my mind), and Hewlett Packard Labs have created/designed smart inhalers but due to no current B2B or B2C model are not included in this list.

 
 
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Adherium

Originally called SmartInhaler, but changed their name, this New Zealand company has been in the smart inhaler market for over a decade. Their market is B2B focused on clinical trials, but lately has moved into the B2C market with their new product line called Hailie. They produce sensors that inhalers are inserted into for almost every inhaler on the market at this time. Users activate the sensor when taking their medication and data is captured and uploaded for clinical review depending on the setting (e.g., research, public health, medication management).

Research

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Propeller Health

Getting alot of recent press related to their use in clinical settings, Propeller Health manufacturers a number of sensors (think of them as buttons) that can attach to multiple inhaler types (e.g., Diskus, MDI, Respimat) and when pressed will send a record to a mobile app on the user smartphone to track adherence. The app also keeps a daily forecast to alert patients to when they may need their inhaler. Data is uploaded in realtime for review by relevant parties for clinical management or oversight.

Research

 
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Cohero Health

Cohero produces a line of sensors, the HeroTracker, that attack to MDI and Diskus inhalers to track medication adherence. The data is collected and then uploaded to an online database for access by clinicians, researchers, or insurance companies - while patients can review their data on a mobile app. They also produce a smart spirometer as well.

Research

  • Study listed on ClinicalTrials.gov

 
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CONNECT'INH

French based start-up. I cannot fully read French so their website was a bit of a mystery so relying on the information gathered from their Indiegogo campaign. The device attaches to an inhaler that is supposed to fit all MDIs (so SABAs). A LED will alert patients when they are to take their next dose along with their mobile app. It has a buzzer to alert you where it is in case you lose it. Interestingly, the app will track pollution or pollen levels to alert you when you may need to use your MDI. Appears to be a B2C company.

Research

  • No identified studies or research.

 
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CareTRx

Formerly Gecko Caps and since acquired by Teva Pharmaceuticals, this is a smart cap that fits onto an inhaler that can track medication adherence. Users and clinicians can monitor medication adherence through an online platform and app. Currently unsure what type of inhalers are covered under their platform.

Research