Novartis partners with Qualcomm to create connected inhaler

Novartis Pharmaceuticals revealed this week that it is collaborating with Qualcomm Life to develop the next generation of the Breezhaler inhaler for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Switzerland-based global health care company will use Qualcomm Life's connectivity solutions to create a digital version of the inhaler in which people suffering from COPD will be able to track their inhaler usage. The progressive lung disease makes it difficult to breathe and affects approximately 210 million individuals around the world. It is the third leading cause of death.

"Novartis supports patients being empowered to make it easier for them to manage their chronic conditions," David Epstein, head of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said. "By enabling near real-time data capture from the patient and the connected Breezhaler device, patients can monitor their own adherence to the medication they take which is vital to their health outcomes."

The new device would feature a small and low-powered module that will wirelessly transmit information to patients and their health-care providers regarding the frequency and duration that an inhaler is being used. The data would be accessible on the patient's smartphone, the Novartis COPD mobile app and the cloud.

The connected Breezhaler inhaler requires no assembly and is expected to launch in 2019.