Krakow scientists have invented a smart inhaler for asthmatics

Krakow scientists have developed an intelligent inhaler – FindAir . By linking a device to a mobile app, asthmatics can more easily predict and prevent attacks. In January, the device will be tested on a group of 40 patients. It will go on sale in the spring at the earliest.

FindAir (this is the name of the invention) collects data on the patient’s drug intake and health status during daily use. Records information on each use and sends it to the app, whichóra analyzes them with the help of special algorithmsów. Based on this, a personalized picture of the course of the disease can be created, and help can be obtained – a warning of an impending attack.

The application analyzes all circumstances (m.in. weather factors and allergens in the environment) in which it was necessary to use the drug and, based on this data, predicts subsequent attacks, giving an indication of theówki what their probable cause is and how to avoid them, as well as how to dose medication.

The data thatóre collects a smart inhaler will also be useful to the doctor in charge of the patient. The one can download it in the form of a ready-made report and present it to the doctor during the visit. This way, the doctor will not have to rely on what the patient remembers, but will have access to reliable data on all situations of drug use.

FindAir is the brainchild of Jacek Mikosz, an industrial design engineering student at the Cracow University of Technology. In an interview with PAP, he admitted that he was inspired to create the inhaler by his life. – People in my close environment struggled with asthma. When I got the traditional inhaler in my hand, I noticed many imperfections,” he said.

As he noted, the current plastic inhalers are devoid of electronics and do not allow you to get information about the disease or predict an attack.

Supportółtwórca of the inhaler Michal Czyż, a graduate of the Cracow University of Economics (UEK), stressed that the inhaler was designed for all asthmatics, but its operation will be most quickly learned by people familiar with new technologies, who are not afraid to use a mobile phoneórk and mobile apps.

40 prototype units are currently in production. In January 2017. patients will test them. – We will instruct patients how to use the device and then ask for feedback,” explained współtwórca of the project and brother of the inventor of the invention Tomasz Mikosz, a graduate of Krakow’s UEK.

Plans for the future

Young inventors from Krakow see great commercialization potential in their idea. The invention is already of interest to róFEW PLACESómedical inhalers, but sales could start only after testing of the device, which would be in the spring at the earliest. – The market is very large, it is estimated that worldwide the number of waspsób, in whichóof those diagnosed with asthma is more than 250 million. Our project focuses on solving everyday problemsóin the patient. We want to make their lives more comfortable with our device rósł, and the severity of the disease has been decreasing,” concluded Tomasz Mikosz.

The invention would enter the market through a start-up. The Kraków-based start-up has already won financial support from the Berlin-based medical innovation incubator Startupbootcamp Digital Health. The invention was among the 10 winning projectsóin the reported sposród 513 entries from around the world to the Startupbootcamp Digital Health competition.

As part of the program, the inventors received 15,000 to begin with. euros to work on creating the most favorable business model for their solution, as well as free access to office space and infrastructure in Berlin. Experts from the Berlin Innovation Incubator provide substantive assistance to start-ups there.