Bang and Olufsen Medicom and Bespak collaborate on next generation inhaler; the Assist Actuated Inhaler features integrated dose counter and easy-to-operate mechanism
Bang and Olufsen Medicom, an innovative drug delivery device solutions provider and Bespak, a specialty medical devices and inhalation valve technologies company, have entered into an exclusive partnership to co-develop and co-market a single increment dose counting inhaler - the Assist Actuated Inhaler.
This will be the first integrated dose-counting device to feature an assisted firing mechanism; making it easier for patients to use.
The partnership has been formed to develop a next generation 'press and breathe' inhaler which will be aimed at the expanding asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) market.
Bang and Olufsen's intellectual property from the design and development side will be enhanced by Bespak's in-depth understanding of valve tolerances and the precise fire points for their valve technologies, essential to the development of any reliable dose-counting mechanism.
The two companies will share responsibility for the development, manufacture and co-promotion of the device.
Welcoming the news from Bang and Olufsen Medicom, chief executive officer Henrik Kagenow said, "We are excited it will be the first patient compliance device on the market with a dose counter that meets FDA requirements".
"We are delighted to work with Bespak, who are recognised leaders in the field of inhalation valves and bring a wealth of inhaler manufacturing expertise to the partnership." Meanwhile Mark Throdahl, chief executive officer of Bespak said "Bang and Olufsen Medicom has a strong design based heritage and an insight into patient compliance".
"In particular, we think their dose-counting mechanism will bring a lot of value to the collaboration".
"Together, our joint forces enable us to bring the device to the market in high volumes within strict quality and design guidelines." The functionality of the device has been thoroughly validated and is ready for incorporation into a metered dose inhaler programme immediately.
Bespak and Bang and Olufsen Medicom are currently seeking alliances with pharmaceutical companies interested in providing new inhaler solutions for patients.
Asthma and COPD.
The pMDI (pressurised metered dose inhalers) market is believed to have a worldwide volume of 400 million units.
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways that is marked by continuous laboured breathing accompanied by wheezing, breathlessness, a sense of constriction in the chest and coughing or gasping attacks.
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is often, though not always, caused by smoking.
COPD is a pulmonary disease that is characterized by chronic, typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation.
The airflow limitation is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases.
Patient compliance rates in asthma and COPD are estimated to be in the region of 50%, significant contributors to patient non compliance are said to be both forgetfulness and the lack of visibility on dose tracking.
