Revolutionizing Asthma Treatment: The k-haler

Mundipharma's Innovative Inhaler Wins A' Design Award

The k-haler, designed by Mundipharma International Limited, is a revolutionary inhaler that aims to improve the lives of asthma patients. The inspiration for this design came from the realization that many asthma patients struggle to inhale sufficiently hard and fast with their dry powder inhalers, leading to poor asthma control. The k-haler is breath-activated, eliminating the need for patients to coordinate their breathing, and requires less force to trigger than most other breath-actuated inhalers.

What sets the k-haler apart from other inhalers is its unique technology. The device includes snap fits, a top-loaded counter mechanism, and automated label application. The main label creates the counter window and helps the device feel clean and simple, while also aiding orientation. The k-haler device has a unique breath-triggered valve, which automatically releases a dose when patients breathe in, removing the need for coordination during inhalation.

The k-haler is compact and easy to carry, with dimensions of 31mm width, 50mm depth, and 89mm height. It's a closed system, preventing dirt from clogging the device and irritating airways. The counter mechanism displays individual doses from 120 to zero, using the Tiresias font, designed for clear legibility. Coloured warnings provide 1 week’s notice allowing patients to plan ahead for refills. A full red bar indicates when the device is empty.

Designed with patients and clinicians in mind, the k-haler device includes packaging, patient information leaflet, online training tools, integrated dose counter, labelling, and material finishes. The colour enables easy identification, important for patients with multiple medications. An interactive web training tool aids correct usage. Studies show that patients are able to use the device within 15 minutes, irrespective of age.

The k-haler device was designed and developed by Mundipharma and key partners, at their Cambridge facility in the UK. The design was based on research suggesting that up to 4 out of 10 patients don’t inhale sufficiently hard and fast with their Dry Powder Inhalers. The Bell Study states that 99% of those tested with the k-haler device, were able to generate adequate inspiratory flow to trigger the inhaler at their first attempt.

In recognition of its innovative design, the k-haler was awarded Platinum in A' Design Quality and Innovation Award in 2018. This award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, genius, and contribute to societal wellbeing. The k-haler is not just an inhaler, it's a device that is making the world a better place for asthma patients.