Value Proposition:
· Easier dose release activation, leading to enhanced dry powder dose delivery in pediatric patients.
· Cost-efficient attachment utilizing a magnetic system that is less vulnerable to mechanical failure.
· Built-in visual and auditory feedback mechanism to confirm system actuation.
Technology Description
· Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed FlowMate: a DPI attachment that reduces the required inspiratory flow rate so that pediatric patients can effectively inhale their prescribed doses. It does so through a magnetic mechanism that manipulates air flow and is designed as an adapter on existing inhalers.
Unmet Need
· Dry powder inhalers rely on the patient’s inspiratory efforts to fully disperse medication, but pediatric patients often cannot generate sufficient inspiratory flow for optimal drug delivery. Instead, they must use a metered dose inhaler with a spacer and mask. However, metered dose inhalers are often not used correctly, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and can result in variable drug delivery. Therefore, there is a strong need for a low inspiratory flow attachment for dry powder inhalers to be developed to address the needs of pediatric patients.
Stage of Development
· The technology is nearing the end stages of prototyping.
Data Availability
· Data available upon request.
Publication
N/A
