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Could Altair Medical’s wearable reduce opioid deaths?

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Altair Medical announced that it won FDA breakthrough device designation for its Respmeter wearable biosensor device for opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD).

Glasgow, Scotland–based Altair Medical’s Respmeter is a chest-worn wireless sensor designed to detect OIRD, a common side effect of using opioid drugs.

The Respmeter monitors and analyzes respiratory patterns by using proprietary algorithms. Once OIRD is detected, the system sends a message to designated first responders or emergency services who can intervene to administer naloxone, which can revive the person within seconds.

“I recognized the need for a new solution to the problem of opioid deaths during my work as a forensic medical examiner,” Altair founder Dr. Bruce Henderson said in a news release. “I was appalled at the number of unnecessary deaths and developed Respmeter to combat this unmet need. Being granted breakthrough device status will greatly assist the team at Altair in delivering this life-saving technology to patients.”

Added Altair chairman Jonathan Guthrie: “This award is a major milestone for Altair Medical in our development and we are currently seeking investment to help us get this important innovation to patients and clinicians who need it as quickly as possible.”

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