Data from three independent studies demonstrated the efficacy of Adherium Limited’s Smartinhaler platform in pediatric asthma management, according to research at ERS 2015 reported by the company.

Adherium says these clinical outcomes build on the data previously published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine in January 2015, which showed use of the Smartinhaler Platform increased adherence to preventative medication by 180% and reduced use of reliever medication by 45%.

The following three abstracts were presented at ERS 2015:

Abstract number: OA4772

A randomized control trial by Dr Robert Morton (Clinical Research Fellow, University of Sheffield) investigated whether electronic adherence monitoring with reminder alarms and feedback can improve clinical outcomes in childhood asthma.

Interim data from the study being undertaken at the University of Sheffield has demonstrated that use of the Smartinhaler™ platform substantially increases adherence and significantly reduces the number of oral steroid courses required over the period. The interim data shows that at 12 months:

  • A 144% increase in adherence in the Smartinhaler group vs control arm;
  • A 37% reduction in the number of oral steroid courses required in the 12 months from 2.7 to 1.7, a clear marker of reduced severe exacerbations; and
  • A 14.9% increase lung function as measured by FEV1 (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted) which increased from 87% to 100%.

Abstract number: OA4773 

A study by PhD student Sam Howard (University of Nottingham) investigated the attitudes of adolescents with asthma towards an Adherium Smartinhaler medication sensor in comparison to existing monitoring methods such as self-reporting.

Data from the study showed that both adolescents and parents were significantly positive towards having their inhaler use monitored and shared with family or healthcare providers. Interviews with the adolescents showed that adolescents were enthusiastic about utilizing the device to prove their independence and demonstrate responsibility for their asthma.

Abstract number: OA4775

Dr Anja Jochmann (Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust) conducted a study of 50 children with difficult asthma comparing self-assessment of adherence versus electronic monitoring via the Smartinhaler platform.

The study demonstrated significant improvement in key indicators following use of Smartinhaler™ including significant improvements in lung function (FEV1), lung inflammation (FeNO), and in quality of life questionnaire results (mPAQLQ).

“These studies clearly show the impact that the application of Adherium’s Smartinhaler platform can have on the health outcomes of children with asthma,” said Adherium CEO Garth Sutherland. “Most notably, the Sheffield study showed a substantial reduction in the need for oral steroids, indicating a significant reduction in severe attacks.”