3M Drug Delivery Systems has announced the launch of the 3M Intelligent Control Inhaler, a connected, breath-actuated inhaler that provides instructions to the patient via a screen integrated into the device and provides feedback to both the patient and health care providers via an associated app.
According to the company, the inhaler minimizes inspiration errors by controlling inspiratory flow rate, and the dose counter registers a dose only on inhalation of the medication rather than on actuation to reduce counting errors. The inhaler’s data management system records inspiration profiles as well as usage information.
3M DDS Global Marketing Operations Manager Louise Righton commented, “Providing an effective and intuitive delivery method for respiratory disease treatment is critical to patients, health care providers and payers alike. Poor technique in using an inhaler, coupled with the challenges of getting patients to adhere to their medication protocols, can lead to exacerbations, increased use of health care resources and ultimately, a burden on health care systems. By increasing competence and adherence, we can realize better patient outcomes and reduce health care costs.”
Technical Director Steven Wick added, “We’ve done a tremendous amount of research during the development of this technology with patients, health care providers, and payers. With 60 years of experience in inhalation technologies, and 30 years in health information systems, 3M is uniquely qualified to bring forth a solution that is a definitive win for each of these stakeholders. Nothing has worked to improve inhaler technique over the past 25 years – and here we have a connected device to improve both competence and adherence. The need for a smarter solution has never been greater, and 3M intends to put greater control of respiratory disease into the hands of patients, health care providers and payers.”
Read the 3M DDS press release.
