Innovation: puff-ah research investment
THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS, WE’VE INVESTED IN AN EXCITING SPACER INNOVATION
The Zoe Kennedy Foundation is proud to announce its investment of $20,000 in the research and testing of Puff-Ah’s innovative spacer technology. This support aligns with our mission to improve asthma management and enhance the quality of life for young people affected by asthma.
did you know: eFFICACY OF INHALER (WITHOUT SPACER) CAN BE AS LOW AS 15-20%, spacers can double AMOUNT OF MEDICATION THAT REACHES THE LUNGS TO 30-40% OR MORE*
About the Puff-Ah Spacer
Developed by Spacepod Pty Ltd, the Puff-Ah spacer is a groundbreaking device designed to address the common challenges associated with traditional spacers. The collapsible design and anti-static coating make it more portable and efficient, ensuring that a greater amount of aerosol medication reaches the lungs. This innovative approach aims to improve medication adherence and overall asthma management, particularly for children and teenagers who often find traditional spacers cumbersome and unattractive.
The Research Plan
The research funded by the Zoe Kennedy Foundation will evaluate the performance of the Puff-Ah spacer using a Next Generation Impactor (NGI). This sophisticated testing method will measure the aerosol particles emitted from the spacer, comparing the efficacy of medication delivery with and without the Puff-Ah spacer. The goal is to demonstrate that the Puff-Ah spacer significantly enhances the delivery of medication, thus improving asthma control.
Key aspects of the research include:
Assessment of Aerosol Performance: Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, the research will quantify the mass of medication particles delivered to the lungs.
Comparison with Traditional Methods: By testing the Puff-Ah spacer alongside traditional inhalers and spacers, the research aims to highlight the advantages of this innovative device.
Detailed Evaluation Metrics: The study will report on various parameters such as the total recovered dose (TRD), fine particle mass (FPM), and mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the device’s performance.
The Impact of the Puff-Ah Spacer*
Asthma management is a significant challenge, with non-adherence to medication being a major issue. The Puff-Ah spacer addresses this by being:
Compact and Portable: Easy to carry, making it more likely for users to have it on hand when needed.
User-Friendly: Designed to appeal to children and teenagers, encouraging consistent use.
Efficient: Anti-static coating ensures better delivery of medication to the lungs, enhancing its effectiveness.
Our Commitment
The Zoe Kennedy Foundation's investment in Puff-Ah is part of our broader commitment to support innovative research and technologies that make a tangible difference in asthma management. By funding projects like this, we aim to honor Zoe's memory and contribute to the betterment of young people’s lives who are living with asthma.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this research and the impact it will have on the future of asthma management. Together, we can create a world where asthma is better understood, better managed, and less impactful on the lives of those affected.
*Source: Puff-ah.
For more on Spacers and other Asthma-related advice, we recommend you visit Asthma Australia: Puffer and Spacer - Asthma Australia
Disclaimer
The Zoe Kennedy Foundation invests in research and innovative initiatives with the utmost care and due diligence, aiming to improve outcomes for young people with asthma. While we commit to supporting projects that align with our mission, we do not hold ongoing control or influence over the future decisions, operations, or outcomes of the organizations, researchers, or companies involved. The Foundation cannot guarantee specific results or advancements from the initiatives we fund, as these are subject to the inherent risks and complexities of medical research and development. Any information shared by the Foundation is for general awareness purposes and should not be considered an endorsement of specific products, services, or outcomes.
