Revolutionizing Asthma Care with Smarthaler

Innovative Smart Inhaler Wins A' Design Award

The Smarthaler, designed by Jacek Mikosz and his team, stands out as a beacon of innovation in the medical device industry. This smart pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI) is not just a medical tool but a technological marvel, designed to correct the widespread issue of improper inhaler use among patients. With a staggering 83.7% of users struggling with traditional inhalers, the Smarthaler's real-time feedback mechanism is a game-changer, ensuring effective drug delivery and fostering correct usage habits.

What sets the Smarthaler apart is its modular design, which incorporates a measurement system directly into the actuator. This feature allows for the real-time identification and correction of inhalation errors. The device's compatibility with an accompanying app, which can also connect to a doctor's web app, ensures that patient adherence to prescribed therapies is efficient and effective. The app's data-sharing capabilities represent a leap forward in patient-doctor communication and digital health management.

The Smarthaler is the result of a multidisciplinary collaboration that spans design, medical, IT, artificial intelligence, and pharmacokinetics fields. Its construction involves precision injection molding of medical-grade plastic, ensuring the device's durability and safety. The meticulous research and development process, supported by a grant from The National Centre for Research and Development, took place in Kraków, Poland, from May 2021 to December 2023.

Challenges in the design process included the integration of advanced technology into a familiar form factor and the development of a sustainable, modular design. The team's dedication to creating a user-friendly device that could be adopted as naturally as a traditional inhaler, but with the added benefits of digital feedback, was paramount. The Smarthaler's design allows for the electronic components to be updated or replaced, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

The Smarthaler's technical specifications are impressive, featuring a rechargeable battery, USB-C port, Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, and compatibility with both Android and iOS apps. Its additional accessories, such as a USB hub and HFA placebo bottles, further enhance its usability. This smart inhaler is not only a medical device but also serves as a training tool, providing immediate feedback on inhalation technique to both patients and healthcare providers.

With its victory as a Bronze winner in the A' Medical Devices and Medical Equipment Design Award in 2024, the Smarthaler has been recognized for its exceptional design and contribution to improving the quality of life for asthma and COPD patients. This prestigious award underscores the device's excellence in combining art, science, design, and technology, marking it as an essential tool in the future of respiratory care.