Adherium Announces US Launch of Hailie Solution, Designed to Help COPD Patients Track Medication Usage

Digital health company Adherium recently launched the Hailie solution in the U.S., a technology designed to help patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) track their medication usage and better manage their condition.

This follows a 510(k) over-the-counter clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that allows Adherium to sell the Hailie solution directly to consumers.

The Hailie solution consists of two components — a smartphone app available on both iOS and Android platforms — and a sensor that attaches to the patient’s inhaler. It works by tracking the patient’s medication use, through the sensor, and reminding the patient, using the smartphone app, when it’s time for the next dose.

Studies have shown that more than 50 percent of patients who suffer from chronic illnesses do not take their medication as prescribed, which constitutes a global healthcare problem, costing pharmaceutical companies more than $600 billion annually, according to a 2016 report.

By providing patients with asthma or COPD easy-to-use tools to manage their disease, Adherium hopes they will be able to better follow medication regimens and improve their long-term outcomes.

Additionally, the Hailie solution can help patients and caregivers see the rate of medication use and adherence, and improve communication between patients and physicians.

“Individuals and families with asthma and COPD can now access a solution that encompasses the world’s most clinically proven asthma and COPD medication adherence platform, cleverly packaged into the simplest interface,” Arik Anderson, CEO of Adherium, said in a press release.

The Hailie solution has been 15 years in the making, and is based on the idea that “if we are to turn the corner on treating chronic conditions, we have to make managing them second nature,” according to Anderson.

As part of the system, Adherium also created an online portal that allows healthcare professionals to see and analyze patient data collected from the inhaler-attached sensors. The portal is designed to encourage communication between patients and their healthcare providers, allowing them to share and monitor inhaler usage.

“Adherium’s focus on making disease management fit more easily in patients’ lives is a valuable contribution,” said K. Cody Patel, CEO of Vitalus Health, a patient-centric provider of pulmonary disease management. “Adherence technology that fits naturally within a physician’s practice makes care seamless; it fosters a better understanding for patients, meeting a tremendous need.”