New NHS-funded study of digital Smart Inhalers for children with asthma begins in Leicester

A groundbreaking study investigating the use of Adherium’s Smart Inhalers to curb asthma flare-ups in children and adolescents has commenced in Leicester. This pioneering UK study will utilise systematic searches of GP records to identify children and young people at high risk of asthma, who may benefit from a Smart Inhaler. Success in this study could potentially facilitate broader NHS adoption.

The research will involve several GP practices in Leicester, providing up to 300 children aged 5 to 16 with the Hailie device, which attaches to their usual inhaler. The Hailie device offers audible reminders and tracks usage and technique, delivering feedback through a smartphone app. This enables real-time monitoring by medical teams, who can provide timely interventions to mitigate the risk of asthma attacks.

Dr Erol Gaillard of the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, who leads the study, remarked, “This could be a significant turning point in how we support children with high-risk asthma in the UK. We are aware that consistent medication adherence is a challenge for many asthma sufferers. This study is a collaborative endeavour involving the NHS, the University, charities, and the MedTech sector, aiming to demonstrate how such devices can enhance asthma control and prevent hospital admissions.”

Norah, a 10-year-old participant from Western Park, Leicester, has been managing asthma since she was diagnosed at the age of five. Her mother, Hayley, shared, “I’m really pleased that Norah is participating in this trial as I hope it will not only benefit her but also other children with asthma who might receive Smart Inhalers in the future if this trial is successful. Norah is an incredibly active and lively girl, and I never want asthma to limit her.”

Asthma remains the most prevalent long-term medical condition among UK children, affecting approximately one million young individuals, or about one in every 11 children. The UK faces some of the highest rates of emergency admissions and fatalities due to childhood asthma in Europe, although these are largely preventable with better management and early intervention.

Leicester, where nearly half of the children aged 0 to 15 live in the most financially deprived 20% of areas nationally, is notably affected by income deprivation, exacerbating health inequalities.

Adherium Europe Limited, a leader in respiratory eHealth and data management solutions, produces the Hailie digital inhaler family. Helicon Health Ltd, which excels in virtual healthcare delivery, is collaborating with the University of Leicester team to support the deployment of Hailie digital inhalers.

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board, along with the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research Patient and Public Involvement group, Health Innovation East Midlands, and Asthma + Lung UK, support the study. It has received a grant of 499,871 USD from the Small Business Research Initiative Healthcare (SBRI Healthcare), part of the Accelerated Access Collaborative Initiative.

Dr Imad Ahmed, Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at University Hospitals of Leicester and Clinical Lead at the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board, expressed optimism: “We are excited about the potential this study holds for children at high risk of severe asthma flare-ups in Leicester and are pleased to collaborate with the University of Leicester on this project. I would especially like to thank the primary care practices involved in this crucial research. Funding this study underscores the NHS’s commitment to embracing innovative technology that has proven benefits in improving outcomes, and we eagerly anticipate the results.”