Vectura is working on a range of digitally-connected inhalers to help patients with respiratory diseases more engaged with their care.

It is collaborating with Propeller Health on the devices, which it also hopes will better equip patients to understand their disease and improve self-management.

The new inhalers will combine elements of Vectura's GyroHaler with an FDA-approved add-on senor from Propeller health (whose technology is pictured).

The companies are also discussing additional connected strategies for other proprietary respiratory devices in Vectura's pipeline.

James Ward-Lilley CEO, Vectura, said: “Adherence to therapy is one of the major issues driving poor maintenance management of these chronic conditions. 

“There is increasing evidence of the value of intelligent sensor technology significantly enabling a reduction of symptoms, including exacerbations and long term healthcare utilisation costs. This collaboration is a first step towards Vectura embracing a connected solution for all our devices.”

Propeller's digital health platform for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently used by more than 40 leading healthcare organisations across the US.

David Van Sickle, CEO, Propeller Health, said: “Digital health has the potential to make respiratory therapies more personal, powerful and convenient for every patient. We are excited to work with the team at Vectura to realize these benefits in a new generation of inhalers”

The firm's existing pharma deals include one with Boehringer Ingelheim, which it signed earlier this year and which targets adherence and care management for people living with asthma and COPD.

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