Aptar Pharma, global solution provider of innovative and proven aerosol, injection and spray delivery systems, has presented a new scientific publication following its recent Inhaler Adherence roundtable event on Inhaler Adherence, Exploring Key Factors.

Exploring the issue of poor adherence by patients using inhalers, the company had brought together a panel of five key opinion leaders specialising in inhaler adherence which included Beverley Bostock, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Lead, Warwickshire, UK, Dr. Nayna Govind, NG Pharma Consulting Ltd, UK,  Dr. Kevin Gruffydd-Jones, GP, RCGP Respiratory Clinical Lead, Wiltshire, UK, Christine Loveridge, Respiratory Clinical Lead, Education for Health, UK and Prof. Nicolas Roche, Head of Pulmonary Service, Central Paris University Hospital.

The event was focused on inhaler adherence and the panel debated  on the current guidance with regard to therapy/inhaler prescribing, specific healthcare professional and patient issues with inhaler devices and unmet needs, potential avenues for making more adherence-friendly inhalers and healthcare costs, reimbursement and emerging therapies.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common chronic inflammatory diseases, and can significantly interfere with a patient’s quality of life. The major symptoms of these diseases are wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

It is estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that some 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, and 240 million people suffer from COPD. The cost of these diseases to the US healthcare system is estimated at $50 billion for asthma, and $32 billion for COPD.