World Asthma Day, Tuesday 7th May 2024.
This World Asthma Day, we’re shining a light on The University of Manchester’s respiratory solutions spinout, Clin-e-cal, and their groundbreaking innovation: the ClipTone System.
What is asthma?
The chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leads to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. It affects people of all ages, with varying degrees of severity. Asthmatics’ airways become hypersensitive to certain triggers, causing them to constrict and making breathing difficult.
Understanding the proper use of inhalers is crucial in managing asthma effectively. However, studies have shown that many individuals, including those with asthma and their carers, often misuse inhalers, compromising treatment efficacy.
The ClipTone System
Enter Clin-e-cal’s ClipTone System, a revolutionary solution designed to address this critical issue. It incorporates their patented SoundResponse technology, featuring a sound-emitting ClipTone device attached to the inhaler.
When the inhaler is used, the ClipTone Buddy app receives and interprets the emitted sound in real-time. This innovative approach provides users with immediate feedback on their inhaler technique through visual cues, empowering them to optimise their usage and improve treatment outcomes.
Why is this innovation so significant?
Asthma remains a prevalent global health concern, with millions of individuals affected worldwide. In the UK alone, asthma affects 8 million people, contributing to significant healthcare costs and morbidity. Despite advancements in treatment, asthma management continues to pose challenges, highlighting the need for innovative solutions like the ClipTone System.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asthma accounted for 455,000 deaths globally in 2019, underscoring the urgent need for effective management strategies. With £1.1bn spent annually on asthma treatment in the UK, and £666m allocated to prescriptions each year, there is a pressing need for cost-effective interventions that can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare expenditures.
Asthma is the most common long term condition among children and young people and is one of the top ten reasons for emergency hospital admission in the UK. (Source: https://stateofchildhealth.rcpch.ac.uk/evidence/long-term-conditions/asthma/)
Clin-e-cal’s ongoing randomised controlled trial and focus group meetings have demonstrated promising results, with participants reporting improved inhaler technique, enhanced understanding through app visuals, and a notable decrease in asthma exacerbations.
By partnering with manufacturers and seeking integration opportunities within the NHS, Clin-e-cal aims to make the ClipTone System widely accessible to asthma patients, potentially revolutionising asthma management and reducing the burden of this prevalent condition.
To learn more about Clin-e-cal and their innovative solutions, visit www.clin-e-cal.com and discover how they’re shaping the future of respiratory health.
Please contact Mohammad Hassan if you’d like to find out about opportunities with Clin-e-cal.
