HK40005920B - Apparatus, system and method for detecting and monitoring inhalations - Google Patents

Description

Device, system and method for detecting and monitoring inhalation

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/338,971 filed on 2016, 5, 19, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

Described herein are interactive devices and methods for recording, transmitting and displaying physical measurements based on physiological conditions generated by a subject during a real-time inhalation procedure.

Background

Inhaler devices are commercially available for dispensing therapeutic substances via the respiratory tract, in particular for pulmonary administration in the treatment of local or systemic diseases. For example, nebulizers, propellant-containing devices, and dry powder inhalers have been used to treat diseases such as asthma, respiratory infections, and systemic diseases such as diabetes.

In the treatment of disease, the effect of delivering a desired dose of therapeutic substance to a patient depends on the efficiency of the device, and the patient can be taught, for example, the correct inhalation technique by providing the patient, clinician or physician with the correct feedback mechanism during use of the device, thereby enhancing overall efficiency. Improper use of the device and poor inhalation techniques can lead to a lack of efficacy in the treatment of disease. For example, administration of lower or higher doses of therapeutic substances than expected may be harmful to the patient. To effectively deliver therapeutic substances to the respiratory tract, the patient or user may be trained or instructed to use the device in an appropriate manner.

Dry powder inhalers for delivering medicament to the lungs comprise a dose of powder formulation, typically supplied in bulk or metered into individual doses, stored in a unit dose compartment such as a hard gelatin capsule, cartridge or blister pack. Dosing reproducibility requires that the pharmaceutical formulation be homogeneous and that the dose can be delivered to the patient with consistent and reproducible results. Thus, the administration can be improved by optimizing the discharge of the formulation, for example by letting the patient perform the correct inhalation maneuver to achieve the necessary administration.

Devices for training patients to deliver therapeutic substances correctly through the pulmonary airways are described, for example, in us patent No. 5,333,106, which discloses a device for interactive training of patients when using aerosol inhalers, said device comprising a feedback display of air flow and volume data based on the use of the correct sequence of inhalation steps. US patent application No. 10/759,859 (publication No. US 2004/0187869) discloses a training device for a medicament inhaler, such as a dry powder inhaler, based on measuring a pressure differential using a dry powder inhaler simulator and displaying a single value corresponding to both the inhalation velocity and the inhalation flow rate peak.

Dry powder inhaler and cartridge systems (such as those described in U.S. patent nos. 8,499,757 and 8,636,001, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for their teachings of dry powder inhalers) can generate a primary drug particle or suitable inhalation plume during an inhalation operation by deagglomerating the powder formulation within the inhaler and capsule or cartridge. The benefits of delivering drugs via the pulmonary circulation are numerous and include rapid access to the arterial circulation, avoidance of first-pass drug degradation by liver metabolism, and ease of use (e.g., no discomfort compared to other routes of administration such as by injection). These devices have been used in clinical settings and are now commercially available.

An interactive device and method for analyzing the force of inhalation is disclosed in U.S. patent 9,364,619, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

There is a need in the art for improved inhaler device designs and manufacture that will maximize accuracy in proper use of the inhalation system and monitoring of the patient and require minimal training and effort throughout the care process of using the inhalation system and the patient, and there is a need for improved flexibility of inhaler and inhaler component (including cartridge) application and overall reusability of such systems. The present disclosure presents apparatuses and methods to achieve these goals.

Disclosure of Invention

Described herein are interactive devices (including inhalers) for detecting and measuring inhalation characteristics of the inhalation system used and the use of the inhalers by patients in conjunction with the devices. In disclosed embodiments, the devices and methods of using the devices are useful in, for example, sensing, detecting, measuring, and monitoring a characteristic inhalation profile or breathing pattern of a subject by collecting data generated in the inhalation operation of the subject and identifying the force required to deliver an appropriate or therapeutic dose by an inhaler provided to the subject for use in a treatment regimen. The devices and methods may also be used, for example, to train/teach a subject to effectively use an inhaler to treat a disease, disorder or condition thereof such that the subject receives an appropriate dose of the delivered medicament. In embodiments, the device may comprise any inhaler, in particular a high-resistance dry powder inhaler, which delivers one or more pharmaceutically active ingredients or drugs to the lungs and hence to the lungs and systemic circulation of the subject being treated. In some embodiments, the dry powder inhaler is breath actuated and, when used by a patient, the patient can observe the amount of force applied during inhalation, which is displayed at the same time that the actual inhalation is taking place.

Exemplary embodiments of the inhalation devices and systems disclosed herein include an inhaler accessory device, which is a stand-alone device; wherein the inhaler accessory device is adaptable or mountable to the inhaler such that it may be brought into close contact with or mounted on the inhaler during use and removable from the inhaler after use.

In some embodiments, a detection and monitoring system is provided, the system comprising an inhaler to be used by a patient and corresponding inhaler accessories configured to fit the inhaler or each other such that the inhaler can be removed or disengaged from the inhaler accessories and the patient can utilize the inhaler to self-administer a dose of medicament as prescribed by a physician for inhalation. The inhaler attachment includes a main body structurally configured to engage a patient-prescribed inhaler; optional display means for displaying visual cues including a display screen, including for example Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (e.g. for power on and for battery charge status or other status), or a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), touch screen or other interactive display screen, which may be miniaturized to fit inhaler accessories or remotely located in other components of the detection and monitoring system; and an electronic board comprising a microprocessor and one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the inhaler accessory device includes a receiver and transmitter or transceiver for sensing signals emitted from an inhaler that, in use or otherwise through inhalation operations performed by the patient and user, communicates wirelessly or by wire with a computer, Personal Data Assistant (PDA), tablet and/or mobile phone to display information in real time while the inhalation operation is occurring. The inhaler accessory device preferably also includes a serial (e.g., USB) port or other port to allow data transfer and battery charging.

In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes providing an inhaler accessory for coupling to a subject inhaler; activating the inhaler accessory device system; the method includes the steps of having the subject inhale while monitoring inhalation by the subject with the inhaler accessory device, and facilitating training and/or monitoring of the subject to achieve optimal or appropriate inhalation operation to effectively deliver therapeutic drugs to the respiratory system. The detection and monitoring system facilitates training of the subject in the proper use of the inhalation device to achieve a preferred flow profile for that individual so that optimal delivery of the medicament can be achieved. The devices and methods may also be used to monitor the performance of an inhalation system provided to a patient, for example to detect a dose being delivered; quantifying the drug delivered, the duration of time to discharge the delivered dose; number of doses administered to the subject; and may be used to monitor the mechanical integrity of the inhalation system in real time and/or to store data for future analysis. In certain embodiments, the inhaler or a component of the inhaler, such as a cartridge, to be used in conjunction with the inhaler accessory device may include a code or identifier, such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), color coding, laser etching, text, and the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inhaler attachment device of the inhalation monitoring system may be made to perform interactively, for example, the device may include a wireless communication interface allowing remote collection of data that may be sent to a computer, tablet, smart phone or other microprocessor based system to provide interactive display of data, storage of data and/or Web based information transfer. Alternatively, other example embodiments may include a wired communication interface.

In one exemplary embodiment, the device may, for example, be adapted for high resistance dry powder inhalation systems, such as those described in U.S. patent nos. 7,305,986 and 7,464,706, U.S. patent application serial nos. 12/413,405 and 12/484,125, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for the disclosure of the dry powder inhaler. The device may comprise a dry powder inhaler with or without a cartridge containing a pharmaceutical formulation, one or more transducers, including electrical, electronic, electromechanical, electromagnetic, photonic or photovoltaic type transducers; such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, acoustic sensors, and optical sensors; signal conditioning circuitry and/or software programs, means for electronic signal communication, and an output display. In this example embodiment, the apparatus may be used in conjunction with: analog or digital sensors, suitable signal conditioners (such as amplification, signal filtering, analog-to-digital conversion), microprocessors for on-board processing, wireless communicators to communicate with remote computers, tablets, mobile telephones, or Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), for subsequent signal processing and/or real-time output display. The device may be used to deliver pharmaceutical compositions contained in pre-metered unit dose cartridges containing the active ingredient for delivery to the pulmonary circulation. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the sensing and monitoring device may be fitted on or in an inhalation system comprising a dry powder inhaler with a cartridge, which may be empty or may contain a dry powder suitable for pulmonary administration.

Dry powders comprising microparticles suitable for pulmonary administration are well known in the art, including, for example, those disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 8,499,757 and 8,636,001, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the disclosure of the microparticles. In corresponding exemplary embodiments, the dry powder, active ingredient may be, for example, proteins, peptides or polypeptides and combinations thereof, and endocrine hormones such as insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), parathyroid hormone or analogs thereof.

In some casesIn embodiments, dry powder formulations for delivery to the pulmonary circulation comprise an active ingredient or agent, including a peptide, protein, hormone, analog thereof, or combination thereof, wherein the active ingredient is insulin, calcitonin, growth hormone, treprostinil, palonosetron, tobramycin, filgrastim, erythropoietin, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), chorionic gonadotropin releasing factor, luteinizing releasing hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), vasoactive intestinal peptide, parathyroid hormone (including black PTH bear), parathyroid hormone related protein, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), exenatide, pramlintide, oxyntomodulin, casein, deoxyribonuclease 1, interleukin 2-inducible tyrosine kinase, Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK), or a combination thereof, Myo-inositol requiring kinase 1 (IRE 1) or an analogue, an active fragment, a PC-DAC-modified derivative or an O-glycosylated form thereof, epinephrine, an antibacterial agent or an antifungal agent. In particular embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition or dry powder formulation comprises a fumaryl diketopiperazine and the active ingredient is one or more selected from the group consisting of: insulin, parathyroid hormone 1-34, GLP-1, oxyntomodulin, casein, heparin, parathyroid hormone releasing peptide (PTHrP), neurotransmitter agonists and anti-synergists including 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor, prostacyclin or PGI₂Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and analogs thereof.

In one example embodiment described herein, the device comprises a sensor in communication with the dry powder inhaler, wherein the sensor can detect at least one signal type, including pressure, flow, temperature, and sound signals generated from the dry powder inhalation system, and can send the signals to at least one device for analysis, storage, printing, or display. In this example embodiment, the sensor is configured within or adapted to the dry powder inhaler, and the sensor may be a microphone.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inhalation system comprises a dry powder inhaler having a high resistance to airflow, the resistance value being between about 0.065 (√ kPa)/liter per minute and about 0.200 (√ kPa)/liter per minute. A high resistance inhalation system may be provided with the sensing and monitoring means. In some embodiments, the sensor may detect an intrinsic characteristic signal generated by the inhalation system in use. In another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is a sound sensor comprising a sound detection device or microphone configured to transmit a sound signal to at least one further device in the system via a wired or wireless communication mode. The sensing and monitoring device of the dry powder inhaler described herein may further be associated with an analog-to-digital converter that sends at least one signal, such as a sound signal, to a microprocessor configured to analyze and process the signal. In another example embodiment, the at least one device is an analog-to-digital converter.

In one example embodiment, a monitoring system for a dry powder inhaler is described, the monitoring system comprising: a monitoring device comprising at least one sensor; an analog-to-digital converter; a data storage medium, wherein the data storage medium comprises a set of machine-readable instructions executable by a processing device to implement an algorithm, wherein the algorithm comprises instructions for manipulating data, the data manipulation comprising one or more of the following: receiving data from at least one sensor; screening data; converting data; analyzing the data; and monitoring the patient using the data.

In an example embodiment, wherein the at least one sensor is a microphone, the sensor is arranged anywhere in the inhaler, e.g. in the air flow conduit, in a wall of the inhaler, or as a separate item outside the inhaler. In another exemplary embodiment, the monitoring device may be a detachable device, may be mounted on or attachable to the dry powder inhaler. In another example embodiment, the monitoring device provides a graphical display that is a real-time graphical representation of inhalation.

In another example embodiment, the sound signal is an amplitude of the sound signal, a frequency of the sound signal, or a combination thereof. In other example embodiments, the sensor further measures at least one sound signal at a different frequency. In another exemplary embodiment, the dry powder inhaler further comprises a cartridge, and the cartridge may contain a dry powder for pulmonary administration. Additionally, the dry powder may comprise diketopiperazine microparticles and at least one active ingredient. In another embodiment, the at least one drug comprises insulin, GLP-1, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, analogs thereof, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the sensing and/or monitoring device is configured to detect a signal from the delivered dose. In this embodiment, the sensing and monitoring system may detect the movement of the used inhaler and the powder particles inside the cartridge from the beginning of the powder delivery from the cartridge to the end of the powder particle delivery, wherein the sensor detects the change of the inhaler sound and the inherent characteristics of the powder particle sound emitted from the inhalation system. The data obtained from the detection may be analysed and correlated with the dose emitted or delivered by the inhalation system, the time elapsed for dose delivery and the performance of the inhalation system.

In another example embodiment, the sensing and monitoring device may be provided as an adaptable, detachable device, such as a sheath or saddle structure of a dry powder inhaler. In this embodiment, the removable device facilitates the use of the inhalation system, as the structure or configuration of the dry powder inhaler is not modified. Thus, once the characteristic properties of the inhaler are determined and the subject can use the inhaler correctly, the same inhaler can be used without a jacket. In embodiments herein, the sensor, such as a miniature microphone, may advantageously be placed in any region of the sheath, including, for example, embedded in or extending from a wall of the sheath or adapter. In this embodiment, the sensing and monitoring device provides a higher resolution of the sound features emanating from the dry powder inhaler and cartridge used.

In one embodiment, a method for measuring differential pressure during an inhalation operation is described, the method comprising: providing an inhaler to a subject, wherein the inhaler comprises a sensor configured to detect at least one amplitude of a sound signal, at least one frequency of a sound signal, or a combination thereof generated from the inhaler if the subject inhales for at least one second; analyzing at least one amplitude of the sound signal, the at least one frequency of the sound signal, or a combination thereof using an algorithm provided with a microprocessor in the computer system to generate a data set; and displaying, printing, or storing the data set over time and pressure variations.

In a further embodiment herein is described a monitoring system for a dry powder inhaler, the monitoring system comprising: a monitoring device comprising at least one sensor; a Doppler acoustic sensor; an analog-to-digital converter; a data storage medium comprising a set of machine-readable instructions executable by a processing device to implement an algorithm, the algorithm comprising instructions for manipulating data, the data manipulation comprising the steps of: receiving data from at least one sensor; screening data; converting data; analyzing the data; and monitoring the patient using the data.

Even further described in some embodiments herein are methods for measuring differential pressure during inhalation operations, the methods comprising: providing an inhaler to a subject, wherein the inhaler comprises a sensor configured to detect at least one amplitude of a sound signal, at least one frequency of a sound signal, or a combination thereof generated from the inhaler if the subject inhales for at least one second; analyzing at least one amplitude of the sound signal, the at least one frequency of the sound signal, or a combination thereof using an algorithm provided with the computer system to generate a data set; and displaying, printing, or storing the data set over time and pressure variations.

In other embodiments herein are described interactive dry powder inhalation systems for monitoring inhalation performed by a user, the systems comprising: an inhaler attachment comprising at least one microprocessor, one or more active sensors including doppler effect sensors and/or infrared sensors that can measure air or gas flow rate; dry powder inhalers including cartridges with type identifiers such as color, laser etching, printed numbers; printed text recognizable by a sensor beam (including laser beam, RFID, optical recognition, image sensor, etc.) that can detect an identifier code configured integrally with the cartridge for detecting color, dose type, dose, etc.; the pattern detection sensor may be used in conjunction with on-board or remote computing to detect dose or other identifier using optical signature recognition. In some embodiments, the dry powder inhaler has a flow resistance value of between 0.065 (√ kPa)/liter per minute and 0.200 (√ kPa)/liter per minute; a transducer configured to detect a signal generated from the inhaler used, and a display device configured to display in real time the inhalation operation performed by the user. In another embodiment, the transducer senses and measures a pressure differential within the inhaler. Additionally, the transducer may be a flow meter configured to sense and measure a flow rate through an air conduit of the dry powder inhaler. The transducer may be, for example, a microphone configured to sense and measure sound signals generated within the inhaler.

In other embodiments herein are described sensing and monitoring devices adapted for dry powder inhalers, the sensing and monitoring devices comprising: a detachable device structurally configured to fit into a dry powder inhaler; the detachable means comprises a microphone for detecting sound generated in the dry powder inhaler; and wherein the dry powder inhaler has a flow resistance with a value between 0.065 (√ kPa)/liter per minute and 0.200 (√ kPa)/liter per minute.

Additionally, in some embodiments, a sensing and monitoring device for a dry powder inhalation system is described, wherein the dry powder inhalation system comprises a dry powder inhaler and a cartridge, and the sensing and monitoring device comprises a microphone configured to detect an acoustic signal generated from a dry powder formulation emitted from the dry powder inhalation system.

In some embodiments, the dry powder inhaler comprises a housing, a movable member, a mouthpiece, wherein the movable member is operably configured to move the container from a powder isolation position to a dosing position. In this and other embodiments, the movable member may be configured to be part of a cap assembly at the proximal end of the inhaler and form part of a cartridge mounting area. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece is integrally configured with a cover or capping portion that covers the housing over the cartridge mounting area after closing the inhaler. Movement of the mouthpiece in a downward direction from the horizontal plane moves the cover or lid in an angular direction to a vertical position and opens the inhaler to access the interior of the inhaler, allowing loading and unloading of the cartridge. Conversely, movement of the mouthpiece in an upward direction from the vertical plane to the horizontal plane causes closure of the inhaler and automatically creates an opening for an air passage between the inhaler and a cartridge loaded onto the cartridge mounting area.

In another embodiment, the dry powder inhaler comprises a body, a housing, and a mouthpiece; the inhaler is structurally configured to have an open position, a closed position, and a mechanism operably configured to receive, retain, and reconfigure a cartridge from a isolation position to a dispensing, dosing, or dose delivery position after the inhaler is moved from the open position to the closed position. In versions of this embodiment, the mechanism may also reconfigure a cartridge installed in the inhaler from a dosing position to a blocking position when the inhaler is opened to unload a used cartridge after use. In some embodiments, the mechanism may reconfigure the cartridge into a disposable or waste configuration after use.

In some embodiments, the body of the inhaler comprises a proximal portion comprising the mouthpiece, the body, and a distal portion comprising a housing structurally configured as a sliding cover over the body portion and the internal components of the inhaler; wherein the housing comprises a distal end and a proximal end, and the proximal end has an opening for fitting and enclosing a portion of an inhaler body. In some embodiments, the proximal end contacts or abuts the inhaler body to close the inhaler from the outside environment. In the closed configuration, the inhaler is opened by translational movement of the housing in the distal direction past over the body to obtain an inhaler loading and/or unloading position for insertion or removal of the cartridge. With the cartridge mounted in the inhaler, translational movement of the housing in a distal-to-proximal direction over the body causes displacement of the cartridge from the isolation configuration to the dosing configuration, wherein the cartridge container is urged to the dosing configuration by a protrusion disposed within the housing, the protrusion extending beyond an opening at the proximal end. In the closed configuration, the cartridge installed in the inhaler is reconfigured to create an additional air passage through the mouthpiece and ambient air for accessing the dry powder in the cartridge in the administration configuration after inhalation. In this and other embodiments, the air passageway of the cartridge in the administration configuration has an air inlet, an air outlet communicating with the air passageway in the mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece has its own air inlet and air outlet.

In some embodiments, the body of the inhaler includes a mouthpiece formed at the proximal end of the body, and has an air conduit that communicates with the interior of the housing and may be in direct communication with the air outlet of a cartridge installed in the inhaler and with ambient air. The inhaler body further comprising a cartridge mounting region that is structurally continuous with the mouthpiece and has a distal portion and a proximal portion; wherein said proximal portion and said distal portion are formed as a single piece with the mouthpiece and are insertable into the housing. In some embodiments, the body and housing may be pulled apart to give the inhaler an open configuration to access the internal compartment. In the open configuration of this embodiment, a cartridge containing dry powder may be loaded or mounted within the cartridge mounting area of the main body, and the main body and housing may be pushed or pulled to open or close the inhaler. In some embodiments, the housing is movable from an open configuration to a closed configuration over the distal portion of the body, and together they close the inhaler and enable formation of an air conduit with a cartridge mounted within the cartridge mounting region. In this configuration, the inhaler obtains a dosing configuration of the powder in the cartridge to be emitted from the inhaler after oral inhalation by the user through the mouthpiece. In this embodiment and the dosing arrangement, the body and housing abut one another and the inhaler is prevented from being disengaged by one or more anti-slip structures fitting tightly together. Examples of anti-slip features are snap rings or detents, which may produce a sound to indicate to the user that the inhaler is ready for use. In some embodiments, the inhaler is substantially rectangular in shape with a smaller distal and proximal length; wherein the movement of the housing over the body (and vice versa) is done by pulling or pushing and the inhaler body has rails or tracks extending outwardly from the longer sides (first and second sides) of the inhaler in the longitudinal plane. In this embodiment, the inhaler body is designed with an opening at its distal end to match the opening at the distal end of the housing to allow and direct ambient air into the interior chamber of the inhaler after inhalation. The housing is also suitably configured with a groove or slot for sliding over the guide rail during movement, and also includes a stop end to prevent disassembly of the inhaler, and also includes a push element for positioning the cartridge in the dosing configuration after mounting and closing the inhaler. The pushing element moves the cartridge cup or container relative to the cartridge cap to create an air passage through the cartridge and to create an air inlet and an air outlet and to allow aerosolization of the powder in the cup during inhalation to deliver aerosolized particles to the inhaler mouthpiece and into the user. In another embodiment, the pusher element also moves the cartridge assembly to position the cap relative to the inlet opening in the mouthpiece floor. In one aspect of this embodiment, the dry powder inhaler comprises a housing comprising a pushing element, wherein the housing positions the cartridge in alignment with the mouthpiece by translating from an open configuration to a closed configuration over the inhaler body by the housing.

In some embodiments, the dry powder inhaler includes a housing having a distal end and configured with an opening to communicate with ambient air. In some embodiments, the housing is configured in a cover shape that slides over the inhaler body to substantially enclose a portion of the inhaler body, the housing translating over a distal portion of the body; wherein the inhaler can be available in two configurations: a first position that opens the inhaler to access its internal compartment (chamber); and a second position adjacent the lateral end to effect closure of the inhaler. In some embodiments, the distal portion of the housing is also movable in a horizontal plane relative to the proximal end to extend distally and allow access to an interior compartment of the inhaler and is movable about the inhaler body above the inhaler body. In versions of this embodiment, the distal portion of the housing comprises parallel structures or flanges for engaging portions of the inhaler body and forming a securing mechanism, for example for locking the inhaler body and housing to secure the two components together and maintain the dosing configuration. In an embodiment, the distal portion of the housing has an opening at its distal end for communicating with the interior of the inhaler and an opening configured to slide over the inhaler body. The distal portion of the housing further comprises an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a chamber configured to slide over the inhaler body. In some embodiments, the distal portion of the inhaler comprises parallel wing structures on its upper surface for directing the air flow into the mouthpiece during inhalation.

In alternative embodiments, the mouthpiece is engaged with the body of the inhaler by various mechanisms, including a moveable member such as a hinge, and the mouthpiece is configured integrally with a moveable assembly (including a rack for moving the cartridge cap relative to the cartridge cup or container). The movable assembly is configured to receive and reconfigure a cartridge installed in the inhaler from the isolation position to the administration position, and may be designed to operate manually or automatically after movement of the inhaler components, for example by closing the device from an open configuration. In some embodiments, the mechanism for reconfiguring the cartridge includes a sliding tray or slide attached to the mouthpiece and movably attached to the housing. In another embodiment, the mechanism is mounted to or adapted to the inhaler and comprises a gear mechanism integrally mounted therein, such as a hinge of the inhaler device. In another embodiment, the mechanism operably configured to receive and reconfigure the cartridge from the isolation position to the administration position comprises a cam that can reconfigure the cartridge after rotating, for example, the housing or mouthpiece. In some embodiments, angular rotation of the mouthpiece from a horizontal plane opens the inhaler to allow installation or removal of a cartridge, and angular movement of the mouthpiece from a vertical plane to a horizontal plane effects closure of the mouthpiece and automatic reconfiguration of the cartridge from an isolation position to a dosing position. In one embodiment, the gear mechanism positions the cartridge cap relative to the inlet opening in the mouthpiece during the actuated position and effects translation of the cup to the dosing configuration.

In some embodiments, an inhaler to be used by a subject is provided to the subject, and a patient inhalation profile is determined by activating the inhalation device and system and asking the patient to breathe using the inhaler mouthpiece, using an inhaler accessory adapted to the inhaler. The inhaler accessory implements a display of data detected and monitored by the system, or an indicator associated with such data generated in real time by the patient's breathing, while the patient is breathing. In this and other embodiments, the display may be viewed on a mobile phone, tablet, PDA or computer that includes an algorithm application that communicates with a microprocessor on an inhaler accessory that includes a microwave radio signal transmitter and receiver or transceiver, such as Bluetooth @, Zigbee @; WiFi, SmartWave or Z-Wave, said microwave radio signal being detectable by an application provided in a mobile phone that can communicate with said inhaler accessory device. In an embodiment, microwave radio signals from the transceivers may be transmitted from the microprocessor and may be received by the transceivers in the computer for communication with each other. In an embodiment, wherein the inhaler accessory device is in communication with a tablet, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or mobile phone, wherein the tablet, PDA or mobile phone may access a programmed application that displays a screen with a graphical interface that, when turned on, may communicate with the inhaler accessory device and detect any information/signals generated from the inhalation system.

Drawings

Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a wireless dry powder detection and sensing inhaler accessory mounted on an inhaler.

Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a wired dry powder detection and sensing inhaler accessory embodiment installed on an inhaler.

Figure 3 illustrates a top isometric view of an embodiment of a wireless detection and sensing inhaler accessory.

Fig. 4 illustrates a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of a wireless detection and sensing inhaler accessory, showing an electronic board.

Fig. 5 shows a top view of the electronic board of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a dry powder inhaler coupled to an embodiment of the detection and sensing inhaler accessory shown in fig. 1, wherein the inhaler accessory includes an integrated signal indicating button.

Fig. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a dry powder inhaler coupled to an embodiment of the detection and sensing inhaler accessory shown in fig. 2, wherein the inhaler accessory includes a local signal indication button.

Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a wireless dry powder detection and sensing inhaler accessory mounted on an inhaler and including an integrated display screen.

Fig. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an overall embodiment of the wireless detection and monitoring system disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the detection and monitoring system disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of another embodiment of the detection and monitoring system disclosed herein.

Figure 12 graphically illustrates inhalation operations performed by a subject who is instructed to breathe for the purpose of monitoring the effect of the administered inhalation.

Fig. 13 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the wireless detection and monitoring system disclosed herein, wherein the inhaler accessory includes a pressure sensor.

Fig. 14 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the detection and monitoring system disclosed herein, wherein the inhaler accessory includes a pressure sensor and a display.

Fig. 15 illustrates a block diagram of another embodiment of the detection and monitoring system disclosed herein, wherein the inhaler accessory includes a pressure sensor and a visual indicator.

Fig. 16 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the wireless detection and monitoring system disclosed herein, wherein the inhaler accessory includes a color detection sensor and a pressure sensor.

Fig. 17 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the detection and monitoring system disclosed herein, wherein the inhaler accessory includes a color detection sensor and a display.

Figure 18 illustrates a block diagram of another embodiment of the detection and monitoring system disclosed herein, wherein the inhaler accessory includes a color detection sensor and a visual indicator.

Figure 19 illustrates a method of training or monitoring a user for inhalation using the system of figure 16.

Detailed Description

Disclosed herein are devices and/or apparatuses with interactive systems and methods for measuring or monitoring real-time characteristic changes in pressure or pressure drop and/or flow rate of a subject during inhalation operations using an inhaler. The device may be used to detect and monitor and thus train the subject to maximize the efficiency of their breathing operations in conjunction with inhalation devices, and may also be used to monitor inhalation during drug delivery to detect proper dose delivery, timing of dose delivery, and proper performance of the inhalation system used. In one example embodiment, the sensing and monitoring device may be applied in conjunction with a high resistance inhaler. In bookIn the examples herein, the detection and monitoring system may measure a number of characteristic parameters of inhalation operation using an inhaler, particularly in conjunction with a dry powder inhaler, including data generated to assess peak inhalation force within two seconds of inhalation initiation (PIP)₂) Total inspiratory force in the first second of inhalation (AUC)₁) Total inhalation volume of patient inhalation force and duration of inhalation. Although the hand-held inhaler system is described as comprising two components-the inhaler and the inhaler accessory device, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of the system of the present invention and the method for measuring or monitoring data and features during inhalation operations may also be applied to devices where accessory features are integrated into the inhaler itself, but at the expense of flexibility and reusability.

The device includes an inhaler attachment adapted to be mounted on or otherwise associated with an inhaler. The device includes at least one transducer or sensor that can detect at least one measurement, including pressure, air flow, air volume, humidity, and temperature, and convert such measurements into an electrical signal. In some embodiments, the sensor may comprise a doppler sensing device that can detect the flow of air or gas through the inhaler. In other embodiments, the sensor comprises a pressure sensor that can detect a pressure drop during an inhalation operation. The inhaler accessory device may further comprise an electronic board with circuit elements including appropriate signal conditioning circuitry such as signal filtering, amplification and analog-to-digital conversion, and processing circuitry such as a microprocessor, wired or wireless communication interface, etc., to transmit the generated signals simultaneously or in real time to a receiving computer or Personal Data Assistant (PDA), including a mobile telephone, for display of the signals or processed information. In some embodiments, the output display may be an interactive display such that the display device provides visual assistance to allow the physician and/or patient to view the obtained inhalation operating parameters. In this way, the information obtained can be used as a teaching guide for the subject to perform repeatable inhalation operations in real time, thereby facilitating proper inhalation delivery of the drug as it is self-administered. In another example embodiment, the data may be stored for later analysis.

Fig. 1-7 illustrate embodiments of a dry powder inhaler system or exercise device and its component parts. The training device interactive system described herein has been adapted for high resistance dry powder inhalers, as disclosed in U.S. patent No. 8499,757, U.S. patent No. 8,636,001, and U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/289,095, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the disclosure of the dry powder inhaler.

Fig. 1 and 2 depict wireless and wired inhalation detection and monitoring systems 10, 12, respectively. The system comprises an inhaler 14 comprising a mouthpiece 15 having an air conduit 16 and an air outlet port 17 for delivering powder to a user/patient. The inhalation detection and monitoring system 10, 12 further includes an inhaler accessory device 18 adapted to be mounted on, connected to, or otherwise associated with the inhaler 14. In this embodiment, the inhaler attachment includes an actuator button 19 for energizing or de-energizing the systems 10, 12. An air conduit is established between the one or more air inlet ports for establishing an air conduit passageway through the system, wherein at least one air conduit passageway passes through a receptacle containing a dry powder for delivery to an individual during use. In some embodiments, the inhaler is free of any powder during patient training for proper use of the inhaler. In the embodiment of fig. 1 and 2, the inhaler 14 is of the same type, belonging to a dry powder inhaler, and the inhaler attachment 18 is adapted to the top surface of the inhaler 14. Fig. 2 depicts the inhaler attachment 18 with a wire 22 connected to the system for connection to a power source and/or computer.

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of an inhaler attachment 24 designed to fit an inhaler. Fig. 4 shows a bottom isometric view of the device 24. As can be seen in fig. 3 and 4, the accessory device 24 preferably comprises a main body having tabs 25, 25' for attachment to the inhaler. However, other types of securing means known to those skilled in the art may also be used to engage the device with the inhaler. The device 24 also preferably includes an actuator button 26 for activating the device for use. In this embodiment, the body has a top surface 27, a bottom surface 28, and an electronic board 30 mounted to the bottom surface. Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the inhaler attachment 24 having an electronic board 30 integrally built into its lower surface 28. Fig. 4 and 5 further illustrate the electronic board 30. The electronic board 30 preferably includes an actuator 26' mechanically or otherwise connected to an actuator button 26, a sensor 29 and a microprocessor 32. The microprocessor 32 is used to actuate, detect, process signals from the associated inhaler and transmit information/signals to the display device. In this embodiment, the electronic board 30 is configured as a signal processing/interface board. The sensor 29 may be any type of sensor, such as an acoustic sensor for detecting sound generated during inhalation, or a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure drop during inhalation. The inhaler attachment 24 is also preferably provided with a battery as a power source for activating the system after the actuator button is depressed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electronics included in the inhaler attachment 24 may be provided as separate circuit components on separate boards connected by suitable means as needed to achieve functionality. For example, the microprocessor 32 may reside on a separate board from the sensor 29, as the sensor 29 must be disposed.

In another embodiment, the inhalation detection and monitoring system is provided with an indicator, as shown in fig. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 illustrates a dry powder inhaler coupled to the inhaler attachment shown in fig. 1, wherein the signal indicators 35, 36 are shown. Fig. 7 illustrates the dry powder inhaler coupled to the inhaler attachment 18 shown in fig. 2, wherein the signal indicators 35, 36 are shown. The signal indicators 35, 36 are preferably light emitting diodes or other light indicators for indicating a particular status to a user. For example, they may be used to indicate whether inhalation results in successful inhalation of the drug. In this case, for example, one indicator may display a red signal light and the other indicator may display a green signal light during operation. The signal indicators 35, 36 will indicate a failure or a pass accordingly. The inhalation failure indicator (red light) indicates that the executed inhalation operation of the subject or patient is not compliant with one or more predetermined conditions for inhaling the dose of powder contained in the inhaler, and the inhalation indicates by the indicator (green light) that the inhalation operation of the subject or patient is compliant with the appropriate conditions for delivering the dose of powder contained in the inhaler. Alternatively, only one signal indicator may be used if a color may be selected depending on the status, or a blinking may be used to indicate the status, for example. Other uses of the signal indicators 35, 36 may include power on/off, power failure or low battery indication or connection status indication between the accessory device and the inhaler.

Fig. 8 depicts an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the wireless dry powder detection and sensing inhalation system 12, showing the inhaler accessory 42 mounted on the inhaler 14 and configured with a display screen 44 integrally configured on the body of the accessory 42 so that the patient can visualize the inhalation operation while he is trying to inhale. In this embodiment, the inhaler attachment 42 comprises an electronic board 30 as shown in fig. 4 and 5, wherein signal information related to the inhaler is processed in the microprocessor 32 and the resulting processed information is transmitted to the display screen 44 and presented, preferably graphically, in comparison to one or more predetermined conditions of the inhaler used. The map and associated data points are preferably stored locally on the electronic board 30, but may also be stored remotely. In this and other embodiments, the predetermined conditions of the inhaler depend on the inhaler and the medicament used. In some embodiments and as shown in the figures herein, the conditions used are, as indicated above, peak inhalation pressure, emitted dose, etc.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 illustrate various operational embodiments of the inhalation detection and monitoring system shown in figures 1 to 8. Fig. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an overall embodiment of a wireless detection and monitoring system 50 as disclosed herein. In fig. 9, the system 50 includes two components: an accessory device 54 and a processing system 56. In this embodiment, the inhaler accessory device 54 comprises an electronic board with two sensors 51, 52, a battery 53, a microprocessor 70 and a wireless communicator or transceiver 72. The analog sensor 51 and the digital sensor 52 are placed such that they are in close proximity to the inhaler air flow conduit to enable detection of an acoustic signal or pressure differential in the inhaler 14 when the inhalation detection and monitoring system 10, 12 is actuated or turned on. The system is energized by pressing the actuator buttons 19, 26 which are connected to a power source, such as a battery 53 which also powers the system. Alternatively, the system may be powered through a line, such as a USB port. The sensors 51, 52 are preferably placed at any point within or near the air conduit of the inhaler attachment 18, 24. In some example embodiments, the sensors 18, 24 may be placed in an air conduit within the body 20 of the attachment or near the mouthpiece 15 of the inhaler being used.

The processing system 56 may include a PDA, tablet computer, mobile phone or computer 57, a display 58, a wireless communicator 59, and output 55, which may be in the form of digital storage, a Web interface, print or email, etc. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the display 58, wireless communicator 59 and output 55 may reside directly within the PDA/tablet/mobile phone/computer 57 rather than as separate components. In this exemplary embodiment, the user may activate the inhaler accessory device 54, such as the button 19 on the device 10, by pressing a power button, while also activating the processing system 56. The computer 57 preferably includes an algorithm in the form of a software application or program designed to collect and display the suction force. When a software program integrated with the computer 57 is started, a start signal appears on the display 58. Upon system activation, the user's inhalation 60 creates a pressure drop in the inhaler training device 50 that is converted to an electrical signal by one or more sensors 51, 52. In this embodiment, the sensors 51, 52 may be analog or digital pressure, flow, sound, optical, gas, humidity or temperature transducers. The electrical signal generated by the sensor 51 is then transmitted to the signal conditioner 61 to remove unwanted signal portions, such as signal noise. The conditioned electrical signal 62 is then transmitted to a bandwidth limiter 63 to reduce the frequency of the signal to a desired range to reduce and select the data that needs to be analyzed, and then the signal is transmitted to a signal amplifier 64, and in the signal amplifier 64, the selected signal may be amplified to a predetermined voltage range and transmitted as an amplified signal 65. The amplified signal 65 is then converted to a digital signal 67 by an analog-to-digital converter 66. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain "smart" sensors may be used that integrate certain conditioning, filtering, amplification and conversion functions into the sensor itself. Accordingly, any reference to these subsequent elements in this specification may be replaced with such an integrated sensor. The digital signal 67 is then received by the microprocessor 70 and transmitted to a wireless communicator or transceiver 72 designed for transmission using a wireless technology standard, such as bluetooth via connection 74, to a computer 57 having a wireless communicator 59 for receiving a wireless (e.g., bluetooth) signal 69. A software program built/programmed into the microprocessor 70 or computer 57 facilitates basic functions in the inhaler accessory including notifying of the presence of the radio, linking to the wireless communicator or transceiver 59, and transferring data from element to element and via wireless signals 69. The program also converts the electrical signals from the sensors 1, 2 into pressure values, which can be graphically displayed in the display 58. The display 58 may be a screen, including an LED, OLED, LCD, touch screen, or other interactive display. In certain embodiments, a reference profile for the user is stored in the system 50 and provided on the display 58 along with the inhalation signal information. The baseline curve represents the level of performance of the type of inhaler used to deliver a substantially accurate dose to a patient, as measured using the inhaler training device 10 as a reference standard to guide the user's inhalation maneuver. Thus, during inhalation, the user can visually compare his own inhalation with the baseline criteria. The medicament can be omitted from the inhaler during training of the user so that no medicament is wasted due to a failed inhalation operation. In this way, the user can vary his own inhalation force to meet the standard requirements when actually inhaling the medicament. The data displayed for each inhalation performed by the subject may be saved via the second connection 76 to the output 55, where the data may be stored or transmitted accordingly. For example, the output 55 may be in the form of a disk drive or flash drive or printer, or transmitted via e-mail or text to a physician for review or further training as desired. In some embodiments, the signal from the inhalation training device may be transmitted to the computer/PDA/mobile phone/tablet and the signal from the computer/PDA/mobile phone/tablet may be received by the inhalation training device, thereby establishing two-way communication between the two components. For example, the user may enter specific information into the computer 57, such as patient number, dose intensity, notes on the condition, and the like. In this and other embodiments, the sensor 52 is a digital sensor or a sensor that can produce a digital output. It may be an accelerometer, a doppler sensor, a luminometer or a laser, and the detected signal may be transmitted directly to an on-board microprocessor and thereafter analyzed, processed and transmitted. The signal information in the microprocessor can be analyzed and processed using an algorithm that converts the data, for example, into a pressure and time profile using a graphical interface that can be displayed. The signal from sensor 52 may carry information relating to flow, pressure differential, etc., which is different from the signal from sensor 51 (if both are used).

Additionally, other on-board devices 78 may send and receive data to and from microprocessor 70 via one or more cables 79. For example, other on-board devices may include digital output sensors, temperature sensors, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), audible warning devices, and other on-board sensors. These on-board devices may be used to output a pass/fail condition for an inhalation operation via an LED light or audible indicator of the pass/fail of the inhalation operation. Temperature, humidity or other environmental data may be used to determine the environment in which the inhaler is used.

For the sensor 51 output, after signal amplification, the amplified signal 65 may alternatively be sent directly to the computer 506 via the wireless communicator 72, and the computer may perform analog-to-digital conversion and other required analysis steps.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the detection and monitoring system with integrated display disclosed in FIG. 8. The inhalation detection and sensing device 82 comprises an inhaler accessory device comprising an on-board electronics system with a built-in display 84, microprocessor 86, analog sensor 88 and digital sensor 89. The system used is actuated by the user 90 pressing an actuator button 19, which is powered by a battery 92. When a user inhales through the inhaler fitted with an inhaler accessory including the on-board electronics 82, one or more of the sensors 88, 89 generate a signal that is transmitted to the microprocessor 86. For example, an acoustic sensor or microphone 88 may be used to generate an electrical signal 94 that is transmitted to a signal conditioner 96 to remove excess noise, and then the electrical signal is sent to a bandwidth limiter 98 to reduce the frequency of the signal to a desired range to reduce the data that needs to be analyzed, and the signal is then transmitted to a signal amplifier 95 where it is amplified and transmitted to an analog-to-digital converter 97, and the digital signal is transmitted to the on-board microprocessor 86 for analysis, and the information converted into a map and sent to the display 84 for visualization. Sensor 89, which is a digital sensor, may alternatively be used or used in conjunction with sensor 88 to detect the signal and generate a set of signals for transmission to microprocessor 86, where the signals are analyzed, stored and also sent to display 82. Other means may also be included, including other sensors 99 to detect other parameters of the inhaler or system.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the detection and monitoring system 100 with a visual performance indicator, rather than an integrated display, as disclosed herein, showing the operational components of the system. In this embodiment, two sensors are provided: an analog sensor 101 and a digital sensor 102. Upon activation of the battery 103 powered system 100, the patient/user 105 inhales generating a signal, such as a sound from the air flow through the inhaler conduit. The sensors 101, 102 are activated and establish a signal from the inhaler and transmit the signal downstream; the sensor 102 may be a doppler sensor that may receive output signals, which may be analog or digital signals, for example, from air flow detection. If the output signals from the sensors 102 are digital signals, they are transmitted directly to the microprocessor 110 for analysis and processing of the incoming information. At the same time, the sensor 101 generates an electrical signal that is sensed in the inhaler, passed through a signal conditioner 106 to remove excess noise, and then the conditioned signal is transmitted to a bandwidth limiter 108 for selection of data to be analyzed. The limited signal is then transmitted to a signal amplifier 109 where the signal is amplified and passed to an analog-to-digital converter 112. The received signal is then converted to a digital signal and transmitted to an on-board microprocessor for analysis and processing by an algorithm that converts the data to, for example, a visual or light signal and the visual or light signal can be displayed as a visual indicator, such as a green or red light to indicate whether the patient's inhalation force is "through", representing whether the patient is inhaling with the proper force to deliver a dry powder dose, or whether the patient's inhalation force is insufficient to deliver a dry powder dose from the inhaler tested. In this embodiment, other on-board devices 115, such as other sensors, or signal conditioners, amplifiers, and A/D converters, may be integrated in the circuit depending on the type of sensor used. For example, the inhaler attachment may have two or more analog sensors, so that the electrical signal must pass through an a/D converter before being transmitted to the microprocessor for analysis and processing of the information. In an alternative embodiment, a digital sensor may be used that can output a signal and communicate directly with the microprocessor.

In other embodiments, the inhaler attachment may have one or more sensors, including temperature sensors, laser beams, doppler sensors, illuminometers, color sensors, text recognition, RFID, optical character recognition, optical identification, pattern recognition, which output signals that may be, for example, analog signal outputs (if not digital signal outputs) that must be converted to digital signals for further analysis and processing after they reach the microprocessor. These sensors are preferably included on the inhaler attachment to identify what medicament is loaded into the inhaler for administration and what cartridge type or dose of this medicament is loaded into the inhaler.

Fig. 12 shows a screen shot of the tablet/computer/PDA/phone 57 of the processing system 56 of fig. 9. The computer 57 is used to remotely communicate with the inhaler accessory 54 using bluetooth or other remote wireless technology, wherein the inhaler accessory 54 is adapted to the inhaler and upon activation of the system requires the subject to inhale through the mouthpiece of the inhaler. The resulting plot on the screen as shown in fig. 12 is plotted in response to inhalation operation as an inhalation force on the y-axis, taking into account sensor (e.g., pressure) measurements and the time relationship in seconds of flow and x-axis. The inhalation force of the subject is represented by curve a above the bottom trapezoidal B plot of the plot. The outer limit of the trapezoid B (i.e. above the area) is interpreted to represent the threshold or minimum inhalation force for emptying the powder content of the inhaler for taking a dose, which the subject must exert to be able to effectively and consistently inhale a powder dose from the inhaler. An identification sensor, such as those described herein located in the inhaler accessory, detects and transmits data relating to the inhaler, the medication type, the dose, the batch, the expiration date, and the like. Such data is processed to identify corresponding threshold data to enable user indication. The trapezoidal shape also indicates the minimum feature exhibited by the inhaler or the force required for the inhaler to consistently deliver a dry powder dose, which is greater than 90% for patient delivery. Figure 12 graphically illustrates an example display of an inhalation maneuver performed by a subject who is required to inhale deeply and allow viewing of a display screen on a tablet computer while performing the inhalation. As can be seen from this curve, the subject performs inhalation entirely within acceptable values in region a.

Further, fig. 12 depicts baseline inhalation performance criteria and drug identification for the inhaler attachment 10. The user-detected curve a may be contiguous with a warning area directly above the area B, and contiguous with an acceptable or preferred area C above the warning area. The areas B and C and the warning area may be provided in different colors to facilitate identification of the areas when monitoring the operation of the individual during inhalation. Region B may be depicted, for example, in red, indicating that inhalation does not meet the baseline requirements; the delivery system will not be optimal and will not deliver the drug efficiently. The warning area may be depicted in yellow, indicating that the inhalation operation is approaching an unacceptable performance warning. The preferred region C may be depicted as green indicating that inhalation is performed with acceptable force to effectively deliver the drug. This displayed information detected from one or more sensors in the device may be used by a clinician, physician or user to determine if proper administration has occurred, or it may be used to train the user to see how much force is required to ensure proper administration of the drug.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate various operational embodiments of the inhalation detection and monitoring system shown in figures 1 to 8. FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of an overall embodiment of the wireless detection and monitoring system disclosed herein. In fig. 13, the system 120 includes two components: an inhaler training device or attachment 124 and a processing system 126. The processing system 126 may include a PDA, mobile phone or computer 127, a display 128, a wireless communicator 129, and output 125, which may be in the form of digital storage, a Web interface, printed matter, and the like. In this exemplary embodiment, the user may activate the inhaler training device or device 120, such as button 19 on training device 10, by pressing a power button, while also activating the processing system 126. When a software program integrated with the computer 127 is started, a start signal appears on the display 128. In this embodiment, the accessory device 120 comprises an electronic board, which preferably arranges two pressure sensors 121 and 122 so that they are in close proximity to the inhaler air flow conduit to be able to detect a pressure difference from the inhaler and an absolute pressure of the environment from the inhaler 14 when the device 10, 12 is actuated or opened by pressing an actuator button 19, 26, which is connected to a power source, such as a battery 123, which also provides power to the system. After system activation, the user's inhalation 130 creates a pressure drop in the inhaler training device 120, which is measured by the sensor 121. Absolute pressure sensor 122 provides data or signals for correcting the reading of the differential pressure at atmospheric conditions.

In this embodiment, sensors 121 and 122 are digital pressure sensors. The signals generated by the sensors 121 and 122 are then transmitted to the microprocessor 131 and into the wireless communicator 132. A software program built/programmed into microprocessor 131 or computer 127 converts the signals generated by sensors 121 and 122 into (modified) pressure values that can be graphically displayed in display 58, which can be a screen including an LED, OLED, LCD, touch screen, or other interactive display.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the detection and monitoring system disclosed herein. The inhalation detection and sensing device comprises an inhaler accessory device comprising an on-board electronics system 140 having a built-in or integrated display 144, microprocessor 143, and pressure sensors 141 and 142. The system used is actuated by the power supplied by the user 146 through the battery 145. After system activation, the user's inhalation 146 creates a pressure drop in the inhaler training device 140, which is measured by the sensor 141. The absolute pressure sensor 142 provides data or signals for correcting the reading of the differential pressure of atmospheric conditions. In this embodiment, the sensors 141 and 142 are digital pressure sensors. If an analog sensor is implemented, additional circuit elements would be necessary to condition, filter, amplify, and/or convert the signal as described above. The signals generated by the sensors 141 and 142 are then transmitted to the microprocessor 143. A software program built/programmed into microprocessor 143 converts the signals generated by sensors 141 and 142 into (modified) pressure values that can be graphically displayed in display 144, which can be a screen including an LED, OLED, LCD, touch screen, or other interactive display.

FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the detection and monitoring system disclosed herein. The inhalation detection and sensing device comprises an inhaler accessory device comprising an on-board electronics system 150 with an integrated visual indicator 154, microprocessor 153, and pressure sensors 151 and 152. The system used is actuated by the power supplied by the user 156 through the battery 155. After system activation, the user's inhalation 156 creates a pressure drop in the inhaler training device 150, which is measured by the sensor 151. The absolute pressure sensor 152 provides data or signals for correcting the reading of the differential pressure at atmospheric conditions. In this embodiment, sensors 151 and 152 are digital pressure sensors. If an analog sensor is implemented, additional circuit elements would be necessary to condition, filter, amplify, and/or convert the signal as described above. The signals generated by the sensors 151 and 152 are then transmitted to the microprocessor 153. A software program built/programmed into the microprocessor 153 converts the signals generated by the sensors 151 and 152 into (modified) pressure values that can be used to activate visual indicators 154 that can be used to indicate proper inhalation or other information.

Fig. 16 further illustrates a block diagram of, for example, an inhaler training device, such as device 10, further illustrating various operational components. In fig. 16, the system 160 includes two components: an inhaler training device or attachment 164 and a handling system 166. The processing system 166 includes a tablet, PDA, mobile phone or computer 167, a display 168, a wireless communicator 169 and output 165 which may be in the form of digital storage, a Web interface, printed matter, etc. In this exemplary embodiment, the user may activate the inhaler training device 160, such as button 19 on training device 10, by pressing a power button, while also activating the processing system 160. When a software program integrated with the computer 167 is started, a start signal appears on the display 168. After system activation, the user's inhalation 170 creates a pressure drop in the inhaler training device 160, which is measured by the sensor 161. In this embodiment, the sensors 161 and 162 are digital pressure sensors. The signals generated by the color detection sensor 173 and the pressure sensors 161 and 162 are then transmitted to the microprocessor 171 and into the wireless communicator 172. A software program built/programmed into the microprocessor 171 or computer 167 converts the signals generated by the color detection sensor 173 and the sensors 161 and 162 into cartridge information values and pressure values, respectively, which may be graphically displayed in the display 168, which may be a screen including an LED, OLED, LCD, touch screen, or other interactive display. The cartridge information value may be used to provide a limit for the efficacy of the powder dose and to plot a trapezoid B or other threshold indication on the graph. As cited in the previous embodiments, other devices on the device board may include, in addition to the color detection device, a laser with a connection to a microprocessor, an RFID, a pattern or text/character reader or sensor to identify the inhaler, the drug or substance/cartridge/package of the drug in another way. These sensors/readers are used to provide data to the system and microprocessor related to the drug, substance, package, drug administration, inhaler, etc., so that the corresponding data can be retrieved from the storage device and used as data points on any visual, audible, or other indicator, including the chart presented to the user. For example, particular cartridges or other packaging may be color-coded or include encrypted or coded text, RFID indicating particular information about them, including lot, expiration date, dosage, etc. The reader or sensor can detect the code and send corresponding data to the microprocessor for calculation, identified operation, and data presentation. A particular color package may indicate that the use of a dose of medication requires more force to inhale correctly. In this case, the accessory device or system will recognize the correct color via the sensor/reader and use the correct data to provide an indication to the user.

FIG. 17 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the detection and monitoring system disclosed herein. The inhalation detection and sensing device 180 comprises an inhaler accessory device comprising an on-board electronics system with a built-in or integrated display 184, microprocessor 183, color detection sensor 187 and pressure sensor 181 (differential pressure) and pressure sensor 182 (absolute pressure). The system used is actuated by power supplied by the user 186 through the battery 185. After system activation, the user's inhalation 186 creates a pressure drop in the inhaler attachment, which is measured by the sensor 181. The absolute pressure sensor 182 provides data or signals for correcting the reading of the differential pressure at atmospheric conditions. In this embodiment, sensors 181 and 182 are digital pressure sensors. The signals generated by the color detection sensor 187 and the pressure sensors 181 and 182 are then transmitted to the microprocessor 183. A software program built/programmed into microprocessor 183 converts the signals generated by color detection sensor 187 and sensors 181 and 182 into cartridge information values and (corrected) pressure values, respectively, which may be graphically displayed in display 184, which may be a screen including an LED, OLED, LCD, touch screen or other interactive display.

FIG. 18 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the detection and monitoring system disclosed herein. The inhalation detection and sensing device 190 comprises an inhaler accessory including an on-board electronic system with integrated visual indicator 194, microprocessor 193, color detection sensor 197 and pressure sensor 191 (differential pressure) and 192 (absolute pressure). The system used is actuated by power supplied by the user 196 through the battery 195. After system activation, the user's inhalation 196 creates a pressure drop in the inhaler attachment, which is measured by sensor 191. The absolute pressure sensor 192 provides data or signals for correcting the reading of the differential pressure of atmospheric conditions. In this embodiment, sensors 191 and 192 are digital pressure sensors. The signals generated by the color detection sensor 197 and the pressure sensors 191 and 192 are then transmitted to the microprocessor 193. A software program built/programmed into microprocessor 193 converts the signals generated by color detection sensor 197 and sensors 191 and 192 into cartridge information values and (corrected) pressure values, respectively, which can be used to activate visual indicators 194 that can be used to indicate proper inhalation or other information.

Fig. 19 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 200 of detecting, monitoring and training an inhaled subject according to the system disclosed in fig. 16. When the user wants to use the device and system, the user actuates the system by pressing an actuator on the inhaler attachment to activate it. Next in step 202 the wireless communicator of the inhaler accessory device is linked to the user's smart phone using, for example, standard bluetooth technology, and the application on the phone displays a ready message and instructs the user to load the associated inhaler to which the device is engaged, or other disposable pack that provides a cartridge or substance to be inhaled into the inhaler. After this loading has occurred, the identification sensor, in this case the color detection sensor 173, determines the color of the cartridge and stores it in a data storage device on the accessory device board or transmits it via bluetooth to the processing system 166 (phone) for storage in step 204. In step 206, the application displays a map with corresponding threshold data points, which are provided based on color detection. The user is next instructed to inhale in step 208 by using some visual, audio or screen-based message. In step 210, during inhalation operations, the sensors 161, 162 read the pressure drop. Next, step 212 illustrates corrective steps taken by the system based on atmospheric conditions, which corrective steps occur substantially simultaneously with or immediately after step 210. In either case, the pressure data is stored as above and preferably plotted on a graph in step 214. In step 216, an inhalation maneuver map is displayed to the user along with a threshold map, wherein a pass (successful inhalation) or a fail (unsuccessful inhalation) is shown. At this point, the user may depress the actuator to end the procedure, and the data remains stored in output 165 for future use.

In some example embodiments disclosed herein, one or more key parameters may define acceptable inhalation operations, including total inhalation time, peak inhalation pressure, time to peak inhalation pressure, and average pressure from peak to about 75% of total inhalation time. In certain embodiments, the total inspiratory time may be greater than 5 seconds, the peak inspiratory pressure differential may be greater than about 6 kPa, the time to reach peak inspiratory pressure may be less than about 1.1 seconds and the average pressure from the peak inspiratory pressure differential to 75% of the total inspiratory time is about 4 kPa. These values represent values for the inhalation monitoring systems 10, 12 and devices 18 and associated algorithms/programs for training and monitoring. These values may be modified for alternative inhaler training devices according to the performance parameters (including resistance) required for optimal delivery of the medicament from the inhaler.

In another example embodiment, the dry powder inhaler may be provided with a sensing and/or monitoring device that may monitor and/or sense a signal generated by or within the dry powder inhaler during a patient inhalation operation. The dry powder inhaler may be provided with a sensor device integrated into the dry powder inhaler or attached thereto. Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, the attachment devices 18, 24 may be provided as an integral part of the dry powder inhaler mouthpiece or housing, as desired.

In an alternative embodiment, the inhaler attachment 18, 24 is a mountable/detachable sensing and monitoring device that can be detachably engaged with the inhaler and provided in the form of a sheath or cover, wherein the detachable sensing and monitoring device can be provided as a detachable portion that can be adapted to the dry powder inhaler, especially for wireless communication, such that the subject using the device is more easily accessible and mobile. In this embodiment, the sheath is manufactured as a separately detachable device, comprising on-board electronics including one or more microprocessors, wireless transceivers, a/D converters, sensors (such as pressure sensors or microphones) that can detect the signals and can store, transmit, or display the signals.

When using an acoustic sensor, the acoustic waves emitted from the inhaler with or without the use of the dry powder are detected by a microphone and the signal can be analyzed and correlated to the time of powder discharge in the presence of the dry powder, the air flow rate, the end of powder discharge during inhalation operation, the temperature in the inhaler channel, etc., depending on the type of sensor used. For example, the increase in sound may be associated with an increase in flow rate through the device, and/or with powder particle collisions in the air stream during delivery.

Sensors such as microphones can be placed anywhere in the inhaler due to their small size. In embodiments where the sensor is a pressure transducer, the sensor may be placed within an air conduit passing through one of the inhaler compartments. The sensor may be provided in an air duct, for example on or in the inhaler, or provided as a separately removable part as an accessory to the inhaler, the accessory having a shape or configuration that can fit the inhaler to be fitted, and may comprise a cover, sheath, sleeve or saddle configuration that can fit or mount to the inhaler.

For the detachable embodiment, the sensing and monitoring accessory is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, can be made of plastic, and works well in conjunction with high resistance dry powder inhalers. In some embodiments, the sensor may be any sensor, such as a thermocouple wire, a pressure transducer, an analog sensor, a microphone, an optical sensor, a gas sensor, or any sensor that can detect a signal generated within the inhaler. The sensors described herein may be adapted to send or transmit signals through a transceiver device, or signals may be transmitted or stored using a wired connection to an analog-to-digital converter before being transmitted to the microprocessor.

Alternatively, an analog-to-digital converter is provided in the inhaler device and the resulting digital data is transmitted directly out of the device. The signal provided by the sensor described herein may take several forms, including the sound generated within the inhaler by the air flow through the air conduit and/or the impact of powder particles entrained in the air flow path, and the pressure drop detected near the air flow path due to inhalation operations. The signal generated from the inhaler can be detected by a sensor and stored, transmitted or displayed. Other types of signals that can be detected by the system are text, color, encrypted information or codes, which can be detected by a light beam, a laser beam and a doppler sensor, preferably integrated in an electronic board. Data may be generated from the signals and analyzed qualitatively and/or quantitatively. In this way, measurements may be made, including the time of dose release, the amount of dose, the type of dose, the time of dose, etc. In addition, these signals may be associated with, for example, patient identification, drug type and dose, inhaler or other aspects, and may be used to model data requirements for proper inhalation and facilitate training of the inhaler user.

In one example embodiment, the sensing and monitoring system of the inhaler comprises an accessory device structurally configured to fit the inhaler, a sensor, a microprocessor, an optional analog-to-digital converter, and a data storage medium. The data storage medium includes a disk drive, DVD, CD-ROM, server, flash or flash drive, memory card, etc., and includes a set of machine-readable instructions executable by a microprocessor or other processing device to perform an algorithm. The algorithm starts the following steps at run-time: generating a logic subsystem generated number derived from the detected signal; saving the logic subsystem generated number to a data track within a logic subsystem, wherein the logic subsystem generated number is compared to a cluster generated number in the processing device; and storing and/or displaying information from the algorithm as a result from the inhalation operation.

In particular embodiments, the inhaler attachment, particularly with unit dose cartridges, is useful for dry powder inhalers, and drug delivery formulations include, for example, diketopiperazines, particularly fumaryl diketopiperazines, and active ingredients such as peptides and proteins, including endocrine hormones, including parathyroid hormone, insulin, oxyntomodulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1; neurotransmitters, including 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopaminergic agents, prostacyclins, opioid agonists and antagonists. In some embodiments, the active ingredient in the formulation comprises one or more of the active agents including, but not limited to, triptonide, salmeterol, epinephrine, tacrolimus, vancomycin, linezolid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, fentanyl, palonosetron, amphotericin B, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, including PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, avanafil, vindenafil, and tadalafil; prostaglandins, prostacyclins, neurotransmitter agonists, neurotransmitter antagonists, including analgesics, opioid analgesics such as delta opioid receptor agonists and antagonists, mu opioid receptor agonists and antagonists.

Example 1

Using integrated training devices

A 60 year old type I diabetic patient was instructed to receive an inhaled insulin on a diet therapy, which was provided from a dry powder inhalation system, because the patient had elevated hemoglobin A1c and was considered out of control. The patient uses an insulin pump for basal insulin. The patient is trained for wireless inhalation using a device as shown in figure 1 having a removable inhalation attachment as shown in figures 3 to 5. The device is provided to the patient and the patient is asked to take a quick deep breath while using the training device, which may or may not include a drug.

A pressure sensor on the inhalation device is used to detect the pressure drop during inhalation and the data is transmitted to the bluetooth enabled tablet computer with the associated application. The color detection sensor detects the color of the cartridge (with the substance or empty) and the data is used to identify a threshold area of minimum inhalation pressure. Data is collected on a tablet computer with a programmed application that can read radio signals from the device and the patient can view the data in real time on a display screen. The patient's first inhalation attempt is too slow and is indicated on the screen as entering the red "unacceptable zone" (zone B) of fig. 12. The patient is instructed to breathe faster again and to breathe slightly faster and deeper than previous attempts at breathing. After completion of inhalation, the figure shows that the patient's inhalation maneuver is acceptable and well within the acceptable region (C-region) of the figure in fig. 12. After acclimation training, the patient understands how to use a similar inhaler device in combination with the medicament contained therein.

A dry powder inhaler of the type similar to that shown in figure 1 is prescribed to a patient and a cartridge containing various doses of inhalable insulin for treating diabetes in that patient. After six months of prescribing inhaled insulin, the patient's diabetes is diagnosed as being controlled.

Example 2

Using attachable exercise devices

A 59 year old type II diabetic was instructed to receive inhaled insulin from a dry powder inhalation system. The patient requests use of the inhalation system for convenience reasons. The patient was trained for wireless inhalation using the device as illustrated in figure 1. The device of fig. 1 equipped with an attachable inhaler apparatus similar to that shown in fig. 3-5 is provided to the patient and the patient is asked to use the training device for a fast deep breath.

Pressure and color identification data are collected on a mobile phone and the patient is able to view the data in real time on a display screen. The first attempt by the patient is acceptable as indicated by the threshold and inhalation data plotted or otherwise visually indicated as a result of the software. After the adaptation training, the patient understands how to use the device.

The patient-attachable sensor is removed from the dry powder inhaler. A dry powder inhaler is provided to a patient and a cartridge containing inhalable insulin for treating diabetes in the patient. Six months after the inhaled insulin is prescribed, the patient's diabetes is diagnosed as controlled and the patient reviews the device extremely conveniently.

The foregoing disclosure is illustrative of embodiments. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed herein set forth representative techniques that work well in the practice of the present disclosure. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties (such as molecular weight), reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the disclosed embodiments are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosed embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the disclosed and contemplated embodiments.

The specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims that use the language "consisting of … …" or "consisting essentially of … …". When used in a claim, the transitional term "consisting of … …, whether filed as a amendment or added, excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional term "consisting essentially of … …" limits the scope of a claim to specific materials or steps, as well as those that do not materially affect one or more of the basic and novel features. The embodiments so claimed are described and claimed herein either inherently or explicitly.

The grouping of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in combination with other members or other elements found in the group. It is contemplated that one or more members of a group may be included in or deleted from the group for convenience and/or patentability reasons. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is considered to contain the modified group, thereby enabling the written description of all Markush (Markush) groups used in the appended claims.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the authors of the present disclosure for carrying out the disclosed and contemplated embodiments. Of course, variations of those described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The authors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the authors intend for the disclosed and contemplated embodiments to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, the presently disclosed and contemplated embodiments include all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Further, throughout this specification, numerous references to patents and printed publications are made. Each of the above-cited references and printed publications is individually incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Finally, it is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed and contemplated herein are illustrative of the principles of the contemplated invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, alternative configurations may be used in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

Claims (20)

1. An inhaler attachment comprising:

a body configured to be mounted to or connected with an inhaler;

a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the microprocessor,

and at least two sensors, a first sensor for detecting encrypted information in a component of the inhaler; and a second sensor for detecting a signal generated from the inhaler when the inhaler is in use;

wherein the first sensor and the second sensor generate at least one signal, each signal processed in the microprocessor resulting in a customized microprocessor output, and wherein the customized microprocessor output generates a pass or fail indication after completion of a user inhalation maneuver;

wherein the first sensor is a laser beam, Doppler sensor, infrared sensor or other sensing light beam configured to detect color in a component of the inhaler or other medication package,

wherein the second sensor comprises a differential pressure sensor that detects a pressure drop measured in the inhaler and an absolute pressure sensor that is used in conjunction with the differential pressure sensor to adjust for atmospheric conditions prior to identifying the pressure drop.

2. The inhaler attachment of claim 1, wherein the first and second sensors are digital sensors and the outputs of the first and second sensors are in digital form.

3. The inhaler accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor is an analog sensor and its output is in analog form, and wherein the inhaler accessory device further comprises additional circuitry that conditions, filters, amplifies and/or converts the sensor signal to digital form.

4. The inhaler attachment of claim 1, wherein the second sensor is a pressure sensor that detects a pressure drop measured in the inhaler.

5. The inhaler attachment of claim 1, wherein the second sensor detects a sound signal generated in the inhaler.

6. The inhaler attachment of claim 5, wherein the sound signal comprises an amplitude of the sound signal, a frequency of the sound signal, or a combination thereof.

7. The inhaler attachment of claim 1, wherein the inhaler comprises a dry powder inhaler.

8. The inhaler attachment of claim 7, wherein the dry powder inhaler comprises a cartridge and a dry powder formulation.

9. The inhaler attachment of claim 8, wherein the dry powder formulation comprises a diketopiperazine and at least one active ingredient.

10. The inhaler attachment of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is one or more of: a color detection sensor for sensing the color of an inhaler cartridge or other drug package loaded into the inhaler, an RFID reader for reading an RFID tag in a cartridge or other drug package loaded into the inhaler, and an image detection sensor capable of recognizing textual information provided on the inhaler or the inhaler cartridge or other drug package.

11. The inhaler attachment of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver by which data received from the at least two sensors is transmitted to a remote processing system.

12. The inhaler attachment of claim 11, further comprising an electronic board and wherein the microprocessor, sensor and wireless transceiver are connected to the electronic board.

13. The inhaler attachment of claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator for displaying a pass/fail indication to a user.

14. The inhaler attachment of claim 1, wherein the customized microprocessor output comprises threshold data customized according to the signal generated by the first sensor.

15. The inhaler attachment of claim 1, wherein the customized microprocessor output generates a pressure and time profile on a display at the same time or immediately after a patient inhalation.

16. The inhaler attachment of claim 9, wherein the at least one active ingredient comprises insulin.

17. The inhaler attachment of claim 11, further comprising an electronic board and wherein the microprocessor, sensor and wireless transceiver are disposed on the electronic board.

18. A dry powder inhalation monitoring and detection system comprising:

a dry powder inhaler;

a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the microprocessor,

a wireless transceiver, and

a first sensor for detecting encrypted information in a component of the inhaler; and

a second sensor for detecting a signal generated from the inhaler when the inhaler is in use;

wherein the first sensor and the second sensor generate at least one signal, each signal processed in the microprocessor resulting in a customized microprocessor output, and wherein the customized microprocessor output generates a pass or fail indication after completion of a user inhalation maneuver;

wherein the first sensor is a laser beam, Doppler sensor, infrared sensor or other sensing light beam configured to detect color in a component of the inhaler or other medication package,

wherein the second sensor comprises a differential pressure sensor that detects a pressure drop measured in the inhaler and an absolute pressure sensor that is used in conjunction with the differential pressure sensor to adjust for atmospheric conditions prior to identifying the pressure drop.

19. The dry powder inhalation monitoring and detection system of claim 18, further comprising a remote processing system comprising a display, a wireless transceiver, and a microprocessor configured to report a pass or fail indication on the display with graphical characteristics including a threshold indicative of information corresponding to the first sensor and user inhalation data corresponding to the signal detected by the second sensor.

20. The dry powder inhalation monitoring and detection system of claim 18, further comprising a removable inhaler accessory comprising a main body for mounting to or connecting with the inhaler, and a microprocessor, wireless transceiver and sensor provided on the inhaler accessory.