Vectura and Propeller Health link up to develop digitally-connected inhalers for chronic respiratory diseases
The two firms are also discussing additional connected strategies for other proprietary respiratory devices in Vectura’s pipeline
Vectura Group and Propeller Health are to develop inhalers that combine Vectura's dry powder inhaler (DPI) technology with Propeller's FDA-cleared digital health platform.
Chippenham, Wiltshire, UK-based Vectura is a respiratory pharmaceuticals specialist providing a range of pre-metered foil blister-based dry powder inhalers.
The initial focus of the collaboration will be the development of an add-on sensor for Vectura's lever-operated multi-dose inhaler (LOMI). Patients with a Propeller-connected LOMI device will be more engaged with their care and better equipped to understand their disease and improve self-management, the firms said.
The LOMI device takes advantage of key attributes from Vectura’s GyroHaler device, including a familiar user interface; foil blister strips of up to 60 pre-metered doses; a used blister strip within the device; and key drug delivery components (especially drug contact components) sourced from GyroHaler.
Propeller provides a digital health platform for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With information from connected inhalers like LOMI, and its companion analytics and digital interfaces, Propeller helps individuals and their doctors improve the management and control of respiratory disease. The platform is used by more than 40 healthcare organisations across the US.
The two firms are also discussing additional connected strategies for other proprietary respiratory devices in Vectura’s pipeline.
James Ward-Lilley CEO, Vectura, said: 'This announcement demonstrates Vectura’s commitment to develop next-generation inhalation devices that can help patients manage their respiratory diseases better. Adherence to therapy is one of the major issues driving poor maintenance management of these chronic conditions. There is increasing evidence of the value of intelligent sensor technology significantly enabling a reduction of symptoms, including exacerbations and long term healthcare utilisation costs. This collaboration is a first step towards Vectura embracing a connected solution for all our devices.'
David Van Sickle, CEO, Propeller Health, added: 'Digital health has the potential to make respiratory therapies more personal, powerful and convenient for every patient. We are excited to work with the team at Vectura to realise these benefits in a new generation of inhalers.'
