Breakthrough Asthma Inhaler Device for Kiwi Kids Wins Award

Breakthrough Asthma Inhaler Device for Kiwi Kids Wins Award

Medicines New Zealand’s 2015 Value of Medicines Award was presented to Amy Chan, a doctoral candidate at the University of Auckland, last night at the organisation’s annual Parliamentary Dinner.

Chan’s research focused on New Zealand children with asthma, investigating the impact of audio-visual reminders on inhalers.

“Amy Chan’s research clearly demonstrates the partnership between medicines and adherence support technologies” said Hon Heather Roy, Medicines New Zealand Chair.

“This research is of great value to New Zealanders as asthma affects 1 in 4 children and families. The results from this research were impressive - showing a significant increase in adherence to their prescribed inhalers in those that used the reminder device, compared to those did not” said Chan.

“This really shows the value of medicines - as kids that used their preventer inhaler regularly were able to get out and do more, play more sports and have less asthma attacks, coughing and wheezing. Families also felt less frightened about their child's asthma. I hope that this device will be made available to the kids that need it, to help them remember to take their inhalers, so they no longer need to suffer from their asthma” she added.

The results from this work have the potential to revolutionise asthma patient outcomes by reinforcing the fact that when patients truly adhere to their medication, they will receive the full benefit.

Valued at $20,000, the Value of Medicines Award encourages and rewards research into medicines and vaccines in New Zealand.

ENDS

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