The US FDA has approved Teva Pharma’s AirDuo Digihaler Inhalation Powder, a combination therapy digital inhaler with built-in sensors that connects to a companion mobile application to provide information on inhaler use to people with asthma.
The AirDuo Digihaler is indicated for the treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older. The device is not to be used to relieve sudden breathing problems and won’t replace a rescue inhaler, according to Teva.
“We are thrilled to be able to expand our Digihaler portfolio to now include a maintenance treatment,” said Tushar Shah, MD, Global Head of Specialty Clinical Development at Teva Pharmaceuticals. “With this approval, patients can now track how frequently they are using their inhalers. Granting patients the ability to track their maintenance inhaler use may help inform conversations with their doctors about treatment adherence and proper technique.”
Like ProAir Digihaler (albuterol sulfate 117 mcg) inhalation powder, indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in patients aged four years and older with reversible obstructive airway disease, and for prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in patients four years and older, AirDuo Digihaler contains built-in sensors that detect when the inhaler is used and measure inspiratory flow rates.
This data is then sent to a companion mobile app using Bluetooth Wireless Technology so that patients can review their data over time, and if desired, share it with their healthcare providers. Patients can also schedule reminders on their smartphone to take their AirDuo Digihaler as prescribed.
“Even the most diligent asthma patients may not realize they are not following their treatment regimen, despite their best efforts,” said Nabeel Farooqui, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, assistant professor, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine. “The ability to now measure their inspiratory flow rates and track their maintenance medication use, as well as the frequency with which they use their inhaler, may provide important data and insights to help inform treatment discussions with physicians. As a doctor, it’s exciting that my patients are able to share this type of information with me.”
The approval of AirDuo Digihaler is based on the review of the supplemental new drug application (sNDA) submitted by Teva to the FDA. AirDuo Digihaler combines a breath-actuated, multi-dose dry powder inhaler with fluticasone propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) medicine that may help to decrease inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to breathing problems, and salmeterol, a long acting beta2 adrenergic agonist (LABA), which helps the muscles around the airways in the lungs stay relaxed in order to prevent symptoms. AirDuo Digihaler contains salmeterol. LABA medicines such as salmeterol when used alone increase the risk of hospitalizations and death from asthma problems. AirDuo Digihaler contains an ICS and a LABA. When an ICS and a LABA are used together, there is not a significant increased risk in hospitalizations and death from asthma problems.
AirDuo Digihaler was approved in a low, medium and high dose: 55/14 mcg, 113/14 mcg and 232/14 mcg administered as one inhalation twice daily. As a fixed dose combination asthma therapy containing an ICS and a LABA, AirDuo Digihaler contains the same active ingredients as Advair Diskus, which is also approved in low, medium and high doses: 100/50 mcg, 250/50 mcg and 500/50 mcg.
“For the 25 million Americans living with asthma, advancements like this one are important and could help patients track their inhaler use and frequency,” said Tonya Winders, President & CEO of the Allergy & Asthma Network. “Allowing patients access to both their rescue and maintenance inhaler use information on their smartphones is a promising step towards potentially fostering greater discussions about asthma management.”
