Teva UK launches new GoResp Digihaler system in UK
Teva UK has launched GoResp Digihaler (budesonide / formoterol fumarate dihydrate) in the UK - the first country in Europe to make this new inhaler system available.
The inhaler system supports patients with asthma and COPD to view and monitor their inhaler use and to share reports with their healthcare professional.
GoResp Digihaler is the first integrated inhaler device with built-in sensors that detect and record objective data on the patient’s use and ability to use their inhaler, including inspiratory flow classification. The inhaler is manufactured and developed by Teva in Waterford, Ireland.
Equipped with Bluetooth, data collected by the inhaler is shown on a connected companion patient app and can be shared via an online healthcare professional dashboard, via email or face to face during appointments. The companion app displays information on how well they are inhaling their medication, based on assessment of their inspiratory flow rate, i.e. good, fair, low/no inhalation. Viewing and monitoring treatment frequency and technique is important, as data shows that patients with asthma overestimate actual inhaler use by up to eight inhalations per week. The app also has the functionality to remind patients when to take their medication.
Announcing the news, Kim Innes, general manager of Teva UK & Ireland said: “Teva UK is excited to launch GoResp Digihaler in the UK. Providing key insights from viewing and monitoring inhaler technique and usage will support patients and healthcare professionals in the management of appropriate patients with asthma and COPD and represents an important step forward. This marks a major milestone for us as it extends our growing, innovative, respiratory portfolio as we continue on our mission to improve the lives of patients.”
There are approximately 5.4 million people living with asthma in the UK and 3 million people living with COPD, with both conditions leading to high levels of hospital admissions and fatalities. It is estimated that patients with asthma in the UK consume more than 6 million primary care consultations and 93,000 hospital admissions a year, whilst COPD results in around 130,000 admissions per year. Despite decades of treatment innovation in asthma, poor inhaler technique and erratic adherence contribute to poor control of the condition, with a high proportion of patients using their inhalers incorrectly. It is unsurprising that approximately 2.5 million patients with asthma live with their condition uncontrolled.