Who #1:
The Drug manufacturer Teva
Who #2:
Patients with asthma and their care providers who could benefit from integrated digital monitoring and feedback of their inhalers.
What:
Teva is discontinuing its Digihaler line of inhalers even though clinical trials showed improved asthma control with Digihalers dry powder inhalers (DPI) compared to other inhalers. Digihalers had built-in sensors that tracked medication use and inhaler technique. Data could be shared with healthcare providers to improve adherence and asthma control.
Why:
Digihalers were more expensive and were not widely adopted and reimbursed by insurance companies.
When:
Teva discontinued ProAir DPI Digihaler (albuterol sulfate), AirDuo Digihaler (fluticasone and salmeterol), and ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) on June 1, 2024. Teva stated that its non-digital RespiClick DPI devices delivering ProAir and AirDuo will remain available.