Funhaler closer to commercial reality

Funhaler closer to commercial reality

A MANUFACTURING agreement announced by Perth biotech Visiomed has moved the group closer to commercialising its Funhaler asthma ventilator.

Australian-based medical products group ITL will produce 5,000 Funhalers, which will help the Perth company complete clinical studies, gain US Food and Drug Administration approval, and release the necessary quantities for an Australian launch.

According to Visiomed chief executive Saliba Sassine, commercial production would begin once the FDA approvals were granted and distributors had been selected.

Dr Sassine said he expected to receive FDA approval by September this year.

The Funhaler incorporates toys in its design to encourage children to not only take their asthma medication but also to take the required dosage. 

Previous trials by Princess Margaret Hospital found that children were up to 60 per cent more likely to medicate appropriately with the Funhaler compared with other spacers.

The study also found 38 per cent of parents were more likely to present asthma medication to their children when regularly using the Funhaler.

The ITL manufacturing agreement will help researchers at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research complete current clinical trials.