Propeller Health has received FDA 510(k) clearance to market the latest upgrade of its Propeller platform application, including a new sensor to help predict exacerbations in patients with asthma and COPD, according to a company announcement.
The app is designed for healthcare providers seeking ways to reduce utilization through adherence, patient engagement, and remote monitoring, the company says. It uses a combination of sensors, mobile apps, and analytics to encourage adherence to maintenance therapy and remotely monitors use of rescue medications to facilitate early intervention and avoid costly exacerbations.
The latest sensor is 30% smaller and features a new collar that removes the need for adapter caps, and support for Bluetooth Low Energy which eliminates charging, increasing battery life to over 18 months.
The new FDA approval means that the app can compare Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) use to a patient’s baseline and the clinical guidelines, then alert care teams to patients who do not have their disease under control, or who may be worsening and heading to an exacerbation.
The system can now also be used to reduce the frequency of respiratory health symptoms and exacerbations by increasing adherence to medications through feedback, such as reminders, notifications, and self-management education.
“Our goal is to minimize or eliminate exacerbations – that drives everything we do. Key to that, particularly as we move deeper into COPD, is optimizing both the patient and provider experience on Propeller,” said David Van Sickle, CEO of Propeller Health. “We remain focused on building ever better tools to passively collect timely data about inhaled medication use, provide people with coaching and guidance that is relevant, personalized, and actionable, and make care teams more efficient through new opportunities to intervene.”
Propeller Health was formerly known as Asthmapolis; the company changed its name in September 2013.
