COPD Treatment Options Expand in Wake of ResMed’s Acquisition of Inova Labs

ResMed, a San Diego-based company that develops solutions for sleep-disordered breathing and respiratory care, recently announced it will acquire Inova Labs, a medical device company in Austin, Texas, that develops and commercializes advanced oxygen therapies.

Oxygen therapy is the administration of oxygen as a medical intervention, and it can be used in a variety of purposes in both chronic and acute patient care. Oxygen therapy is the largest non-drug delivery medical device part of the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States and, sadly, the disease is on its way to achieving the same ranking globally,” Mick Farrell, CEO of ResMed, said in a press release. “We are excited to expand our offerings and solutions for the global COPD epidemic and to progress even more swiftly toward our ResMed goal of improving 20 million lives by 2020.

“With the acquisition of Inova Labs, ResMed is delivering on its commitment to find further ways to improve the quality of life for tens of millions of people as they deal with COPD, this chronic, progressive disease that literally takes patients’ breath away when untreated,” Farrell said.

ResMed has channeled 25 years of expertise into delivering advanced technologies to ensure the best therapy to suit patients’ needs. Its products include masks, devices, and technologies that work together, so patients receive the comfort and support therapies they require.

Among the company’s products, the AirSense 10 and AirCurve 10 devices have an optional integrated humidifier, so patients can enjoy the benefits of humidification in one easy-to-use system. When used together with the ClimateLineAir heated tube, the device can automatically deliver the optimal temperature and humidity for the ultimate comfort experience.

The Stellar series includes non-invasive ventilators, while the flagship Astral series are lightweight non-invasive life support platforms that provide up to 24 hours of battery life.

With the acquisition of Inova Labs, ResMed’s respiratory care portfolio will cover key portable oxygen concentrators and home stationery products, namely:

• LifeChoice Activox Portable Oxygen Concentrator, weighing under five pounds, and ideal for an active lifestyle, providing an extended battery life.
• Activox DUO2, a home and portable oxygen concentrator 24-hour oxygen solution, providing continuous oxygen for a long period of time.

“ResMed is the global leader in connected healthcare solutions for sleep and respiratory conditions,” said John Rush, CEO of Inova Labs. “That’s a perfect fit with our mission to offer oxygen therapy solutions that empower individuals to stay active and sleep well. We are excited about joining forces with ResMed and benefiting from their global expertise and innovative culture, to improve patient engagement and adherence to treatment, to create business efficiencies for home medical equipment providers, and to help enhance the quality of life for those suffering from COPD and other chronic respiratory conditions.”

The financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.