FDA Approves First Electronic Nebulizer to Deliver Pulmozyme for Cystic Fibrosis Patients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the PARI eRapid electronic nebulizer as the first of its kind that's suitable for giving Pulmozyme treatments to people with Cystic Fibrosis.

An Efficient Treatment Method

Pulmozyme is a drug manufactured by Genentech, which is frequently prescribed to Cystic Fibrosis patients. It helps thin mucous buildup in the lungs and can reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

Many patients need several Pulmozyme treatments per day, and the eRapid nebulizer system can help them receive the medication more efficiently. Normally, Pulmozyme treatments take an average of 6-8 minutes. However, when patients get the medicine via the eRapid, that timeframe is shortened to just 2-3 minutes. Because many patients are on daily Pulmozyme regimens for years, those saved minutes go a long way, and could help encourage adherence to doctors’ orders.

Patient Preferences and Satisfying Outcomes

The eRapid system has already been used for years in Europe with successful results, and was distributed under the eFlow Rapid brand name. However, PARI decided to introduce it to the United States after input from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation indicated an electronic nebulizer marketed for general use could improve patient compliance.

In a clinical trial involving Pulmozyme treatments delivered with the eRapid, pediatric patients had a 10:1 preference for the device, while that choice was echoed as a 20:1 preference among adults. Users appreciated the quick treatment times and small, easily portable size of the eRapid. Patients in the study were also generally more satisfied with treatments when using the eRapid.

To read more about the study, click here. Nebology is the first online retailer to sell the eRapid electronic nebulizer system. You can purchase it after obtaining a prescription from your physician or pulmonologist.