Thin Film Electronics, a specialist in printed electronics and smart systems, is partnering Switzerland-based Ypsomed, a developer and manufacturer of injection systems for self-medication, to incorporate Thinfilm’s NFC OpenSense technology in the YpsoMate autoinjector to improve patient compliance.
YpsoMate autoinjectors are disposable two-step injection systems that house pre-filled glass or polymer syringes, and are triggered by push-on-skin activation. Patients use autoinjectors to self-deliver periodic injections for the management of chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or cardiovascular indications, making compliance a critical factor in their treatment plan.
Through the combination of the NFC OpenSense tags and a customised mobile app, patients will be able to receive compliance assistance such as adherence history, injection reminders, usage guidelines, refill instructions and authentication. In turn, doctors will be able to track whether or not patients are adhering to daily self-medication requirements.
NFC OpenSense tags are thin, flexible labels that can detect both the state before and after injection of YpsoMate Smart autoinjector, wirelessly deliver content to patients through the simple tap of a smartphone, and record patients’ interactions with the device in the Cloud.
Each tag contains a unique identifier that makes it possible to track every YpsoMate Smart to the individual-item level. In addition, the tag remains active even after the factory seal has been broken, enabling an extended dialogue between patients, doctors and brands.
Ypsomed's Chief Executive Simon Michel, said: 'We believe Thinfilm’s NFC OpenSense can be of significant value to YpsoMate users across the globe, and we look forward to leveraging this next-generation technology to help improve patient adherence.'
Ypsomed said it would be investing more than CHF50m (approximately US$51.2m) in the coming years in the research and development of a new generation of injection and infusion systems. These systems will support the administration of medicines with intelligent electronic and software-based additional functions.
