Vectura, Propeller Health to jointly develop connected inhalers

Propeller Health - connected inhaler

Vectura Group and Propeller Health are teaming-up to develop inhalers that combine Vectura’s proven dry powder inhaler (DPI) technology with Propeller’s FDA-cleared digital health platform.

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 LOMI device leverages key attributes from Vectura’s GyroHaler device, including a familiar user interface, foil blister strips of up to 60 pre-metered doses, used blister strip within device, and key drug delivery components (especially drug contact components) sourced from GyroHaler.

“This announcement demonstrates Vectura’s commitment to develop next generation inhalation devices that can help patients manage their respiratory diseases better,” James Ward-Lilley, CEO of Vectura, said in a statement. “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 utilization costs. This collaboration is a first step towards Vectura embracing a connected solution for all our devices”

The companies are also discussing additional connected strategies for other proprietary respiratory devices in Vectura’s pipeline.

Propeller is known for its digital solutions for asthma and COPD patients that help them improve the management and control of their disease. The platform is used by more than 40 leading healthcare organizations across the US.