Novartis Pharmaceuticals collaborates with Qualcomm in digital innovation with the Breezhaler(TM) inhaler device to treat COPD

The Breezhaler(TM) inhaler is the device for Novartis' portfolio of COPD treatments of Onbrez and Seebri, and Ultibro, the leading LABA/LAMA treatment. The collaboration further supports Novartis' focus to empower patients making it easier for them to manage their own chronic disease by having near real time access to their own data on inhalation use Novartis plans to launch the next generation connected Breezhaler(TM) in 2019 Basel, January 5, 2016 - Novartis announced today a collaboration with Qualcomm Incorporated through its subsidiary, Qualcomm Life, Inc., in digital innovation with the Breezhaler(TM) inhaler device to treat COPD. Under this collaboration, Qualcomm Life will provide the technology solution for the connectivity of the next generation of the Breezhaler(TM) inhaler, a device used for Novartis' portfolio of COPD treatments of Onbrez(TM) Breezhaler Seebri(TM) Breezhaler, and Ultibro(TM) Breezhaler, the leading LABA/LAMA treatment. This next generation of the Breezhaler(TM) inhaler will enable patients to have access to their own data on the use of their inhaler in near real time. The small, disposable and low power module contained within the inhaler device can detect and report usage, the time that the inhaler is used, as well as additional relevant information for patients and physicians. The module then wirelessly sends the data to the patient's smartphone and a Novartis COPD mobile application, which sends the data to the cloud, allowing patients and potentially their healthcare providers to monitor their COPD.