Propeller Health has obtained 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its next generation Propeller platform, which includes a new low-energy sensor that eliminates charging.

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According to Propeller Health, the new systems’ latest sensor is 30% smaller and features a new collar that removes the need for adapter caps. Supporting for Bluetooth Low Energy, the new sensor eliminates charging and increases battery life to more than 18 months.

Propeller Health has designed the Propeller system to assist patients and their physicians to better understand and control asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disease and reduce preventable emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and unnecessary suffering.

The new digital therapeutic features sensors, mobile apps and analytics. With these combined features, the system encourages adherence to maintenance therapy and remotely monitors use of rescue medications to facilitate early intervention and avoid costly exacerbations.

With the new FDA’s marketing approval, the Propeller system can now be used to help predict exacerbations in patients with asthma and COPD.

Propeller features a Metered-Dose Inhaler which measures a patient’s use of their rescue inhaler. The data is automatically compared to a patient’s baseline and to general clinical guidelines and the app can alert care teams if an attack seems likely.

The FDA’s approval also allows the system to be used for reducing the frequency of respiratory health symptoms and exacerbations by increasing adherence to medications through feedback, such as reminders, notifications, and self-management education.

According to Propeller Health, Propeller’s automated, real-time coaching educates users about how best to manage their disease, recognize symptoms and avoid triggers.

For the first time, the real-time coaching can include inhaler technique — a major barrier to the optimal use of inhaled medications — using information captured during the normal course of use.

Propeller Health CEO David Van Sickle noted that the company’s goal is to minimize or eliminate exacerbations – that drives everything the company do.

"Key to that, particularly as we move deeper into COPD, is optimizing both the patient and provider experience on Propeller.

"We are delighted to share this news on World Asthma Day. 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," Sickle added.

Propeller Health has designed the Propeller system for healthcare providers, health plans, employers, and other population health management organizations seeking ways to reduce utilization through adherence, patient engagement, and remote monitoring.


Image: Propeller Health receives FDA clearance for latest generation Propeller platform. Photo: Courtesy of PRNewswire/Propeller Health