NuvoAir’s Inhaler Sensor Now Available in Europe
NuvoAir Aos, a sensor developed by NuvoAir that can track how inhalers are used by people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, is now available in Europe, the company announced.
The sensor is designated a Class I medical device in Europe, essentially indicating that it is not invasive and poses little risk to users. NuvoAir Aos is expected to launch in the U.S. next year, following clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In both COPD and asthma, appropriate and timely treatments are critical for minimizing the impact of symptoms on day-to-day life and for avoiding more serious health problems. Inhalers are often used to deliver treatments directly into the lungs.
However, there are often challenges with using inhalers properly and ensuring the right amount of medication is delivered to the lungs. According to NuvoAir, as many as three of every four people with asthma or COPD use their inhaler incorrectly.
The NuvoAir Aos sensor aims to address these issues by providing patients and clinicians with more information about how inhalers are used. The sensor can be attached to pressurized metered dose inhalers and works with both quick-acting reliever inhalers and long-term maintenance or preventer inhalers.
For maintenance inhalers, the sensor can help monitor whether a medication is being taken in the appropriate manner to maximize effectiveness. For quick-acting relief inhalers, the sensor can track use changes over time. Increased use of a relief inhaler likely means that a person is experiencing more symptoms and may require treatment adjustments.
“The current healthcare model is designed to respond reactively and interventions often happen far too late, when people end up in an emergency situation. By leveraging our technology and clinical service, we are able to proactively intervene when early signs of declining health are detected,” Lorenzo Consoli, NuvoAir’s founder and CEO, said in a press release.
Consoli added that this more proactive approach “not only improves outcomes for patients, but also improves quality of care and reduces healthcare costs.”
In addition to tracking usage, the NuvoAir Aos sensor also monitors patients’ inhaling technique and provides real-time feedback with a colored light system. Technique data are sent to clinicians, who can provide additional training if needed.
Earlier this year, NuvoAir launched an app to monitor cough in people with lung conditions and raised $12 million in Series A funding to expand its digital care platform for COPD and related conditions.
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