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New eNO Device Assists Asthma Management
Recently, Apieron’s Insight eNO system received FDA clearance. The device, about the size of a phone console, allows physicians to measure exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), an indicator of airway inflammation.
A biosensor detects trace amounts of nitric oxide molecules in a single breath, using Sol-Gel technology. Sol-Gel changes color when put in contact with exhaled nitric oxide.
“When you are able to measure exhaled nitric oxide, then doctors can adjust medication and give someone more medication — or conversely, less medication — to keep their exhaled nitric oxide levels or eNO levels very low,” says Holly McGarraugh, Apieron’s vice president of marketing. “That way if (patients) come across an allergic trigger, they don’t have that terrible asthma attack and constriction. It’s been shown to have a great predicative value for that as well.”
The device incorporates a disposable breath tube and sensor. A large screen, which also features a video game-like screen for children, provides feedback as patients blow into the device. Patients must blow with a certain pressure for 11 seconds. Results come back in less than a minute.
Aperion plans to develop an eNO product specifically designed for children and pediatric offices, as well as an eNO device for home use in the near future.
