Teva intros ProAir Digihaler
Teva Respiratory is introducing ProAir Digihaler (albuterol sulfate) 117 mcg inhalation powder, the first and only digital rescue inhaler indicated in patients 4 years old or older for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm who have reversible obstructive airway disease. It also is indicated for prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
The device features built-in Bluetooth sensors, which connect to a companion mobile app and provide inhaler event information.
“The launch of ProAir Digihaler and its companion app provides a great opportunity for bringing a new digital health tool to asthma and COPD patients in the United States,” said Brendan O’Grady, Teva's executive vice president of North America commercial. “We are especially proud to provide our first Digihaler product at a time when digital health technology is growing and continues to transform patient care, since it will enable patients to electronically record and monitor their rescue inhaler use.”
The ProAir Digihaler inhaler detects, records and stores objective inhaler event data, including timestamp and inhalation characteristics, such as peak inspiratory flow. Patients are then able to view this data on the ProAir Digihaler app, which informs patients if their inhaler technique may need improvement. If desired, patients can share data with their healthcare providers to help facilitate dialogue around the assessment and management of their condition and discuss if their inhaler technique may need improvement.
“It is our belief that ProAir Digihaler and the companion app will help address an unmet need for HCPs by providing objective rescue inhaler use data when managing their patients,” said Sven Dethlefs, Teva's executive vice president of global marketing and portfolio. “Ultimately, this technology may help patients who use ProAir Digihaler and its accompanying app to have a better-informed dialogue with their HCP about their disease management and treatment decisions.”
The wholesale acquisition cost for ProAir Digihaler is $146.67. Actual costs to individual patients and providers for ProAir Digihaler are anticipated to be lower than WAC because WAC does not account for additional rebates and discounts that may apply. Savings on out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on the patient’s insurance payer and eligibility for participation in the assistance program. ProAir Digihaler also is supported by a co-pay card program. Patients can register for and download the card here.