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.
Publications
Zhu L, Khandeshi A, Xu MA, Bai Y, Kedia V, Pitaktong I, Egyen-Davis D, Arpornsuksant P, Jassal M, Lee CKK. Evaluation of a novel pediatric asthma inhalation drug delivery device: a focus on patient accessibility, ease of use, dosage feedback, and future directions. J Asthma. 2025 Mar;62(3):404-409. doi: 10.1080/02770903.2024.2404991. Epub 2024 Sep 25. PMID: 39282993.
Zhu L, Arpornsuksant P, Xu MA, Pitaktong I, Kedia V, Ali SY, Coles GL, Bai Y, Egyen-Davis D, Jassal M, Lee CKK. Enhancing Pediatric Asthma Treatment: A New DPI Adaptor for Improved Drug Delivery. Inhalation Magazine. 2026; 20(1):29-34.
