Nearly half of asthma patients do not administer their medication properly, according to a 2017 research study by the Primary Care Respiratory Society UK. The charity, Asthma UK estimates that treatments in total cost the NHS £1.1bn annually.
Derry-based business AirBrio is thus hoping to revolutionise asthma treatments with a device and sensor technology, combined with a software platform that uses machine learning and data analytics.
The company says their device attaches to an inhaler and informs patients whether they are inhaling correctly with a light system. The data is sent to an app that coaches good technique and to remind patients when to take their medication.
The platform will capture user data and use machine learning techniques to inform patients and their healthcare professionals on how well they take their medication over time, and when they are at risk of having an asthma attack.
AirBrio also claim that sensors in the device detect when it’s shaken and actuated, when medicine is dispensed and when it’s inhaled. Cloud-based machine learning aggregates patient data with environmental data such as air quality and temperature – to predict when people might lose control of their asthma
The UK commercial model will involve obtaining the device through a healthcare provider and Phase 2 clinical testing will begin early next year – with ‘real world’ pilot studies in GP practices in Northern Ireland running alongside a three-centre UK clinical trial.
AirBrio’s founders approached Susan Kelly early in 2018 and she joined the team later that year as CEO. Dr Jim Harkin and Professor Liam McDaid, both based at Ulster University, head up the technical and R&D work of the team.
Susan said: “Pharmaceutical companies have invested millions in new inhaler design, but the main root of the problem is that inhalation still isn’t done correctly.
“I could see immediately how this could benefit people suffering from a variety of respiratory conditions – not just asthma, but COPD and cystic fibrosis."
Being based in Northern Ireland is an important element for Airbrio, with firm roots in Ulster University and CTRIC.
Susan concluded: “Everything about Airbrio is made in Northern Ireland. We are part of the vibrant life and health sciences community in the Northwest – we want to see that flourish, with more jobs being created.
“There is a great environment for innovation in NI - we feel that we’re in the right place at the right time.”
Airbrio is now also a finalist in the Invent competition in the Life & Health Sciences category.
The Invent Final Awards night, sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK, will be held on Thursday 10th October.
Source: Catalyst
