 The ‘N-haler’: a transformational approach to improve concordance for persistent smokers with COPD |
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A novel 2-channel inhaler was conceived as part of this patent but there exists the potential to deliver the approach without development of a new device |
Our goalCreaspire is seeking assistance with the investigation of this unique and patented inhaled therapy. Our overall goal is technology transfer. We aim to investigate and/or develop the technology to the point of demonstrating device feasibility. Thereafter, we anticipate sale to an industrial partner. Who is Creaspire?Creaspire is a part of the Clifton Cowley Group of Companies, formed explicitly with the intention of investigating the patent PCT/GB2010/050590. Team members include Dr Alistair Grant, Senior R&D Manager, Papworth Hospital CardioThoracic BioIncubator, senior consultants from Addenbrookes (Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) Acute and Respiratory Medicine as well as leading industry specialists including Dr Steve Nichols OINDP Specialist and Adrian Howson who is the Directorof Creaspire and main inventor of the patent. The MHRA, in its ‘Public Assessment Report’ (Feb 2010) entitled “The use of nicotine replacement therapy to reduce harm in smokers”, has endorsed the new indication for NRT of "harm reduction", |
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The unmet needAn estimated 835,000 people in the UK have a clinical diagnosis of COPD. As many as 3.2m live with the disease without a formal diagnosis. It is a major cause of premature mortality and morbidity, it accounts for high NHS expenditure and resource use and it has negative social and economic consequences. There is no cure and poor adherence to inhaledtherapies is recognised as a major problem. Furthermore, the extent of non-adherence may be greater amongst patients who smoke and a significant proportion of patients repeatedlyfail to quit. Persistent smoking is associated with other adverse factors such as comorbidity, social isolation and low economic status which makes this a particularly ‘difficult-to-treat’ COPD subgroup. The result is not just inadequate pharmacological control of the disease but continued exposure to the toxic constituents of cigarette smoke which inflicts further lung damage. This has negative clinical and economic consequences for the individual and their carers, the NHS and society overall. |
The Creaspire responseThe ‘N-haler’ approach simultaneously delivers an inhaled nicotinic analogue/novel agent alongside inhaled ß2-agonists +/- anticholinergics +/- corticosteroids. The combination of these agents within one device is entirely novel. The underlying rationale is simple yet extremely novel. On using the ‘N-haler’ patients will receive a nicotinic analogue/novel agent to relieve their nicotine craving so that they do not relapse to cigarettes and inhaled bronchodilators and/or steroids to control their symptoms. Patients will associate use of the inhaler with relief of nicotine craving and a feeling of wellbeing via better pharmacological management, which will lead to better outcomes, mediated through enhanced inhaler adherence and a reduction in exposure to cigarette smoke. The ‘N-Haler’ and the associated patent significantly differs to existing planned or developed inhalers to increase compliance (e.g. breath-actuated devices) because it is the only device to incorporate an agent designed for patient motivation, the benefits of which are completely absent with separate devices. |
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For more information please call Tel: +44 (0) 845 270 3934 |
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