AZ COPD technology deal
July 24, 2015
AstraZeneca has entered into
a long-term partnership with NZ
health manufacturer Adherium
in what’s described as a “worldfirst
commercial arrangement
combining digital health technology
with blockbuster inhaler
medications”.
Adherium has developed socalled
Smartinhalers which record
the time and date of use of an
individual inhaler and transmits
the information to a patient’s
smartphone as well as to a doctor,
providing data on medication use
to patients, physicians and carers.
The agreement will see Adherium
supply innovative new devices
and sensors that AstraZeneca will
incorporate into global support
programs for patients with COPD
and asthma.
“These agreements represent a
major advance in the treatment
and management of respiratory
disease, and will make a fundamental difference to the
quality of life for people with
asthma and COPD,” enthused
Adherium ceo Garth Sutherland.
According to Adherium, less than
50% of asthma patients adhere
to their prescribed preventive
medications, with a Smartinhaler
having been shown to boost
adherence by up to 59% in adults
and 180% in children with asthma.
AstraZeneca has already
utilised the technology in clinical
trials, and has piloted its use in
programs to support patients in the
management of their conditions.
Initially it will monitor patients’
use of therapy and provide
personalised advice, with future
developments likely to add extra
sensors to monitor a patient’s
condition and personal risk factors.
Adherium said by providing
objective data on medication usage
“we can now for the first time
develop treatment plans tailored
to each patient, and in doing so
dramatically improve their quality
of life”.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 24 Jul 15To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 24 Jul 15
