Cognita Labs has received FDA clearance for its CapMedic digital inhaler sensor for use with metered dose inhalers, the company said. The CapMedic device, which fits over the top of the MDI actuator and includes a built in spirometer, provides audio and visual instruction to patients to encourage correct inhaler use.
The device also connects to a smartphone app, allowing for remote monitoring and analysis of usage and lung function data. According to the CapMedic website, the device, which is available by prescription, fits most MDI devices and has a rechargeable battery.
CapMedic senses the position of the inhaler and gives audio instructions when the MDI is picked up, as well as indicating when the inhaler is correctly oriented for inhalation. CapMedic also senses breathing patterns and instructs the patient to press the actuator during an inhalation.
Cognita Labs Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder Rajoshi Biswas said, “Decades of studies have shown that almost 90% of patients are unable to use MDIs correctly — a result of their complex, multi-step usage requirements. The Cognita team has conducted drug deposition studies showing a tenfold improvement in the delivery of medication from just 4-5% to 45% when inhalers are used correctly. Getting an effective daily dose means patients are more likely to avoid costly, life-threatening hospitalizations.”
Biswas added, “Our goal with CapMedic is to make inhalers fun and easy to use while allowing patients to build good inhaler use habits and better manage their respiratory conditions.”
Read the Cognita Labs press release.
