Study aims to identify digital predictors of COPD exacerbations

Spire Health has launched a research study on COPD exacerbations using continuous respiratory sensors to assess adherence and identify digital biomarkers preceding exacerbations.

Spire aims to use data from the trial to develop algorithms that are capable of predicting exacerbations and can be implemented as part of COPD remote patient monitoring programmes.

The study is being conducted using Health Tags, Spire's continuous respiratory remote monitoring sensors, to assess adherence among COPD patients and identify changes in physiological metrics that occur during and preceding exacerbations.

“COPD is one of the most expensive chronic conditions, generating healthcare costs of over $30 billion per year in the United States, largely from hospitalisations,” says Jonathan Palley, CEO of Spire Health. “Being able to predict exacerbations through continuous respiratory monitoring and enable early interventions has the potential to significantly reduce hospitalisations, making a large impact on costs as well as improving the lives of millions of people with COPD.”

The trial began enrollment in November and is intended to last for 9 months per participant, during which participants wear Health Tags continuously. COPD-related symptoms, changes in COPD medication, and hospitalisations are also reported weekly by participants.

In a statement the company said that early indications from the study have been promising, including “excellent” compliance among participants, observed changes in breathing patterns prior to exacerbations, and initial steps toward the development of an algorithm capable of accurately predicting hospitalisations.

Spire plans to provide additional details on the study at the Respiratory Innovation Summit on May 17th in Dallas, Texas and at the American Thoracic Society international conference from May 17th-21st, in Dallas, Texas.

The Health Tag sensors provide detailed, continuous respiratory monitoring in addition to monitoring activity, heart rate, and sleep. Participants receive a pack of 8 Health Tags and adhere them semi-permanently to their existing clothing. The Tags are washer/dryer safe and never need charging. Spire touts the approach as creating "extremely high" long-term user adherence.