Advanced Nebulizer Reduces Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Times

A new electronic nebulizer reduces cystic fibrosis (CF) Pulmozyme treatment time from 6–8 minutes to just 2–3 minutes.

The eRapid Nebulizer System is an inhalation therapy device that significantly reduces treatment times, thus reducing burden and encouraging patient adherence. The light, compact, and portable device is supplied with two complete nebulizer handsets to alternate or for use while traveling. Flexible power options including off the shelf batteries, rechargeable batteries, or AC wall power. The eBase Controller provides patient with device feedback, including battery life, proper assembly, medication loading, and end of treatment.

The eRapid nebulizer has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the daily administration of therapies to improve pulmonary function and management of CF, including Pulmozyme, a product of Genentech (San Francisco, CA, USA), which targets extracellular DNA, helping to keep the mucus thin and loose. To maintain hygiene, the nebulizer handset can be disinfected by boiling in distilled water, as well as by autoclave at up to 121 °C. The eRapid Nebulizer System is a product of PARI Respiratory Equipment (Midlothian, VA, USA).

“After the successful results of a Phase IV study, we are confident that physicians will see that both pediatric and adult patients favor eRapid based on reduced treatment times, quiet operation, and its small, portable size,” said Lisa Cambridge, director of medical science and pharmaceutical alliances at PARI Respiratory Equipment. “We were also happy to see that patients were more satisfied with treatment and eRapid had a positive influence on adherence – good for their overall cystic fibrosis management.”

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects most critically the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, and intestine. It is characterized by abnormal transport of chloride and sodium across an epithelium, leading to thick, viscous secretions. The name refers to the characteristic scarring (fibrosis) and cyst formation within the pancreas, first recognized in the 1930s. Difficulty breathing is the most serious symptom and results from frequent lung infections that are treated with antibiotics and other medications.

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