 |
The UK-based startup Aerobit Health is determined to
improve asthma care, and is developing a digital health platform with a smart
inhaler device to reduce the risk of unnecessary fatalities. The inhaler
measures quality of dose, and sync data with a complementary cloud-connected app.
In addition, patients receive reminders via smartphone alerts, SMS
notifications and LED lights on the inhaler. The platform encourages positive
behavior with gamification and keeps the patients, loved ones and care team
informed and alerted about missed dosages, and even environmental concerns such
as pollen or pollution in their area that might trigger asthma symptoms.
Adherence with doctor-recommended treatment programs has long been
recognized as a leading cause of unachieved outcomes, and a major factor in the
tremendous economic burden associated with asthma. It is estimated that 8% of
annual healthcare expenditure, over $200 billion every year, is due to suboptimal
medicine use. Better asthma management is key to reducing this economic burden,
prevent fatalities and improve quality of life for millions of people around the
world.
Aerobit has developed an innovative solution of smart hardware and
software to make asthma management easier and more effective. Remote monitoring
can reduce the number of doctor appointments, while making it easier for
doctors to identify when their patients’ asthma symptoms are worsening. This
allow them to quickly take actions before patients are hospitalized, allocate
resources to the patients that need them the most, and help ease pressure on
the healthcare system. Most importantly, the platform can make a fundamental difference
to the quality of life of people living with asthma. The gathered data can be
used to improve and tailor treatment plans, dramatically reducing the number of
asthma attacks. It can democratize care, personalize treatment and improve
health outcomes.
Aerobit was founded in 2016 by Ali Moiyed. With his daughter’s asthma
diagnosis as inspiration, and an understanding of living with the chronic
disease himself, he was determined to develop a solution that could make his
family safer. In late 2016, the startup sought £250,000 in return for 16
percent equity on the crowdfunding site Crowdcube, and in 2017 raised an undisclosed
amount from StartUp Health. They have taken part in the Future of Health
Accelerator at The Landing, DigitalHealth.London Accelerator and HighTechXL Accelerator, and the startup has already attracted interest from hospitals,
pharmaceutical companies and inhaler manufacturers.
