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Designing Connected Devices for Inhalation: Lessons Learned from Injectables

Deane K, Simpson I.

RDD Europe 2019. Volume 1, 2019: 109-122.

Abstract:

Despite considerable interest in the application of smart, connected inhalers to improve medication adherence, inhaler technique, and treatment outcomes, the uptake of the technology in the market has been relatively slow, with some add-on devices in commercial use and the first integrated connected inhaler, recently approved in the USA. In contrast, the use of similar technology appears to be more widespread in injectable drug delivery with add-ons and connected pens commercially available for diabetes. For other injectable biologics, notably growth hormone and interferon-β, electronic autoinjectors have been available on the market for more than 10 years and in the past five years this has included devices that offer connectivity direct to a smartphone. Further devices are in active development. There is also growing evidence that these injection devices improve patient satisfaction, adherence and outcomes.

This article reviews some of the evidence from the use of injection devices and considers how learnings from this market might help to understand the best way forward for smart inhalers. We consider the importance of defining the purpose of the digital solution, who benefits from it and what technologies should be adopted to provide it. We conclude, as the evidence increases, that connected solutions can add value to all healthcare stakeholders, and uptake in inhalation will increase, although issues around business models and scalability need to be addressed.