Could a Smart Add-On for Inhalers Be a Hero for COPD & Asthma Sufferers?

Aptar Pharma has unveiled a new connected device that could turn standard metered dose inhalers into smart connected devices. HeroTracker Sense was developed to help patients around the world suffering from chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and other respiratory conditions caused by COVID-19 by promoting patient inhalation technique and adherence. 

Designed to attach to an inhaler canister, HeroTracker Sense utilizes sensors that support coordination of inspiration with actuation, flow rate, and inhalation duration. The BreatheSmart app features date and time stamps to indicate when patients should take their medication as well as environmental monitoring alerts on temperature and humidity, Aptar Pharma reported in a news release.

“The launch of HeroTracker Sense positions Aptar’s digital respiratory portfolio as a world leading offering, providing insights into patient behaviors and how that will lead to a change in the way the patient interacts with their device, and their understanding of their indication. We see this as a product for the future and one that will demonstrate significant value, creating real world evidence that can aid the support of reimbursement models in numerous different markets,” explained Marcus Bates, director, business development, digital healthcare, Aptar Pharma, in the release.

HeroTracker Sense can also provide healthcare providers valuable analytics and insights into patient training, onboarding and performance through the Aptar Pharma Cohero Health BreatheSmart Connect Portal, which is both HIPAA and GDPR compliant, the company reported.

“HeroTracker Sense is a strategic addition to Aptar’s portfolio of digital health solutions in the respiratory space, and underlines Aptar Pharma’s progress in the field of digital therapeutics, as well as our commitment to providing tools that will lead to an improvement in the lives of patients,” commented Sai Shankar, president, digital health, Aptar Pharma.

HeroTracker Sense has been designed and developed using Aptar Digital Health’s ISO 13485 certified Quality Management System; it is CE marked and is pending FDA approval.

In 2020, Aptar Pharma worked with Lupin Limited on Adhero, reportedly India’s first “connected device” for metered-dose inhalers. Adhero attaches to the top of an inhaler.

Aptar Pharma has also been active in the nasal drug-delivery space, providing its Unidose Powder System for a severe hypoglycemia rescue treatment and delivery technology for NARCAN (naloxone HCl) nasal spray.