Teva Phamaceutical‘s Teva Respiratory, LLC scored again this week with its DigiHaler digital inhaler. We wrote about the ProAir Digihaler last fall when the FDA cleared the albuterol sulfate inhaler for use in patients 4 years of age and older to treat or prevent bronchospasm in those who have reversible obstructive airway disease. In July 2019 the FDA gave the nod to Teva’s AirDuo Digihaler for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol, which is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 12 years of age and older.
This week’s FDA clearance for Teva’s ArmonAir Digihaler for fluticasone propionate completes the set. Physicians can now prescribe the ArmonAir Digihaler for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 12 years and older. The Digihaler lineup now covers three of the most common asthma treatment prescription classes.
The Digihaler delivery device detects use and sends inspiratory flow rate measurements to a companion mobile app via Bluetooth. Patients can view their flow rate data and share the information with healthcare providers if they wish. As with the AirDuo, patients can use the smartphone app to schedule reminders to use the ArmonAir. As a person who scribbles hard-to-read medication reminders on 3×5 cards, I can appreciate a prescription-related app that helps with patient adherence.
Teva’s advances in smarter device technology to help patients keep up with their prescription regimens is a noteworthy benefit.
