Teva Launches 2 New Digital Maintenance Inhalers

Teva has launched 2 new digital maintenance inhalers, fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder (AirDuo Digihaler) and fluticasone propionate inhalation powder (ArmonAir Digihaler), for patients with asthma, according to a press release.

AirDuo Digihaler is indicated to control symptoms of asthma and to prevent symptoms such as wheezing in patients aged 12 years and older. ArmonAir Digihaler is indicated for the long-term treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older.

“Being able to now offer AirDuo Digihaler and ArmonAir Digihaler to patients is an exciting step forward for Teva and one that we are extremely proud of,” Brendan O’Grady, executive vice president, North America Commercial at Teva Pharmaceuticals, said in a statement. “With the launch of these 2 maintenance products, we’re now able to offer the full Digihaler portfolio to patients, potentially allowing them to gain an even deeper understanding of their overall asthma treatment regimen due in part to the data collection capabilities of the Digihaler portfolio of products.”

AirDuo Digihaler was approved by the FDA in July 2019 in a low (55/14 mcg), medium (113/14 mcg), and high (232/14 mcg) dose administered as 1 inhalation twice daily. ArmonAir Digihaler, which was approved in February 2020, also comes in a low (55 mcg), medium (113 mcg), and high (232 mcg) dose, administered as 1 inhalation twice daily.

Both products use built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology to connect to a companion mobile app, which helps provide data on inhaler use. The inhalers are designed to automatically detect, record, and store objective inhaler use data, including peak inspiratory flow, and are also able to remind the patient how often the devices have been used, measure inspiratory flow rates, and determine if inhalation technique may need improvement. 

“Until now, I have had to rely on my patients’ memory to share the details of their inhaler use habits with me–which, despite their best efforts, can be difficult and confusing,” J. Allen Meadows, MD, FACAAI, clinical faculty at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, said in a statement. “In addition, getting access into their inspiratory flow rates may also help me identify patients who might need coaching in inhaler technique improvement.”

The Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) for AirDuo Digihaler in the doses 55/14 mcg and 113/14 mcg is $339 and the WAC price for the 232/14 mcg dose Is $449. For ArmonAir Digihaler, the WAC price in the doses 55 mcg and 113 mcg is $239 and the WAC price for the 232-mcg dose is $299. Actual costs to individual patients and providers may be lower than WAC.

These medications are not intended for use to relieve sudden breathing problems from asthma and will not replace the need for a rescue inhaler. 

Reference:

1. Teva Launches Two Digital Inhalers in the US, AirDuo Digihaler (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) Inhalation Powder and ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone propionate) Inhalation Powder. News release. Teva; September 21, 2020. Accessed September 21, 2020. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200921005170/en/Teva-Launches-Two-Digital-Inhalers-in-the-U.S.-AirDuo®-Digihaler®-fluticasone-propionate-and-salmeterol-Inhalation-Powder-and-ArmonAir®-Digihaler®-fluticasone-propionate-Inhalation-Powder.