45% of people living with asthma have poor control of their condition which in turn, impacts their quality of life. Australia has one of the highest prevalence rates of asthma in the world with the disease affecting 2.7 million Australians, or 11% of the total population and costs us a massive $28 billion per year.
Whilst incurable, asthma and its ongoing effects can be managed by developing an understanding of the individual’s symptoms and triggers.
Respiri (ASX: RSH) is taking asthma management beyond the clinic with their cloud-based mobile eHealth platform and device, wheezo.
The wheezo is a handheld device that allows patients to record wheeze which is a sign of limited airflow in the lungs. Primarily designed for use in children, but applicable to adults too, the device sends data via bluetooth to an app which analyses the sound recording as well as other clinically relevant signs of asthma. The platform eliminates guesswork by providing an objective log of measurements and data to assist in asthma management. The app also can alert users of location specific environmental triggers such as air quality or pollen counts. Measurements and data are stored securely and can be shared with the individual’s health care professional if they choose. The app also offers a digitised version of an asthma sufferer’s asthma action plan.
The wheezo device can be purchased individually, however, app access is required which can be purchased on a subscription basis.
Respiri has today announced that wheezo will now be available for purchase at over 570 pharmacies within the Sigma Healthcare (ASX: SIG) network across Australia. Sigma owns recognisable brands such as Amcal and Guardian pharmacies.
Mr Marjan Mikel, CEO and Managing Director of Respiri said: “ Sigma is a well-known and trusted pharmacy business whose brands have a long history in the Australian market, that patients frequent when seeking healthcare management advice.l We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with Sigma’s retail brands that will deliver better health outcomes for patients with asthma.”
Since Q4, CY 2020 Respiri has organised distribution agreements with fourteen pharmacy groups. Wheezo can now be bought at 1,600 stores, or 35% of community pharmacies across the country. Respiri is in active discussions with several other pharmacy groups to expand their market footprint by another 2,500 pharmacies which they hope to finalise and announce to the market soon.
Samantha Freidin is a business journalist at Emerald Financial whilst also completing a Masters of Marketing and Digital Communications at Monash University.
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