Madison, WI-based Propeller Health, which provides a digital leading health platform for respiratory health management, announced a partnership with Aptar Pharma, a global drug delivery systems provider, for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Under the terms of the agreement, Propeller and Aptar say they will jointly develop the world's first integrated cMDI (connected metered dose inhaler), with an integrated sensor and a novel electronic dose counter. The device is currently available for licensing and is expected to enter clinical studies later this year.
Pressurized MDIs represent the most common type of inhaler device on the market today, with over 600 million units manufactured globally, say the companies. Pressurized MDIs deliver aerosolized medications such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids and combinations that are used daily by patients with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD.
The Propeller-Aptar partnership will create the first connected inhaler. It will combine Aptar MDI components and sensor technology with Propeller electronics directly into the inhaler housing, allowing for accurate and reliable monitoring of when each patient uses their inhaled medication.
Information about the use of medications delivered by the cMDI will be put to work as part of the Propeller digital system for patients and providers. Leveraging existing apps, e-mails, text messages and other feedback, patients will be able to learn more about their disease, how to better manage it, and how to stay on track with their prescribed dosing instructions.
In addition, physicians can identify individuals who need more help controlling symptoms, and care managers can efficiently focus on higher risk patients who need more personalized attention.
Propeller's platform is 510(k) cleared and compatible with a majority of MDIs on the market today including controller medications such as GSK's Flovent®, Merck's Dulera®, Teva's QVAR®, and others, as well as reliever medications such as GSK's Ventolin® HFA, Merck's Proventil® HFA, Teva's ProAir® HFA, and generic albuterol. It is also cleared and compatible with medications utilizing Boehringer Ingelheims's RESPIMAT® soft mist inhaler (SMI) and GSK's Diskus® dry powder inhaler (DPI).
"Patients and physicians deserve better-designed inhalers that are easier to use and help them successfully treat their chronic respiratory disease," says Propeller CEO David Van Sickle. "We are excited to work with Aptar to bring important digital innovation to respiratory drug delivery.We expect our connected inhaler to become the cornerstone for a platform of digital programs that will support and encourage better management of and quality of life with chronic respiratory disease.”
