BREATHING
EASY

 

 

 

 

BREATHING
EASY

 

 

 

 

BREATHING
EASY

 

 

 

 

 BREATHING
EASY

 

 

 

 

BREATHING
EASY

 

 

Vokey(1)

Brett Vokey

181016-Smith-

Dr. Mary Jane Smith

Student startup helps people breathe easier

Brett Vokey wants to help people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) improve their lives and take control of inhaler effectiveness.

Mr. Vokey, a student in Memorial’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, is working with mentors in the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE) to develop an inhaler add-on device that will track and train patients on proper inhaler technique.

“I talked to doctors, pharmacists and patients all across North America, and it kept coming up that poor inhaler technique and poor inhaler adherence was a huge problem,” said Mr. Vokey.

BreatheSuite pairs a small, inhaler-mounted device with an app that shows the patient how well they’re adhering to their medication plan, provides feedback on inhaler technique, and ensures they receive optimal dosages of their medication. The technology has immediate benefit for patients and is also beneficial for doctors who can monitor their patients’ inhaler usage remotely.

“Improper inhaler technique is not just a local problem; it’s a global problem, and not even an age-restricted problem,” said Mr. Vokey. “BreatheSuite is being developed here in Newfoundland and Labrador, but it has the potential to help people with respiratory issues all over the world.” 

 

 

Student start-up helps people breathe easier

Brett Vokey wants to help people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) improve their lives and take control of inhaler effectiveness.

Mr. Vokey, a student in Memorial’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, is working with mentors in the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE) to develop an inhaler add-on device that will track and train patients on proper inhaler technique.

“I talked to doctors, pharmacists and patients all across North America, and it kept coming up that poor inhaler technique and poor inhaler adherence was a huge problem,” said Mr. Vokey.

BreatheSuite pairs a small, inhaler-mounted device with an app that shows the patient how well they’re adhering to their medication plan, provides feedback on inhaler technique, and ensures they receive optimal dosages of their medication. The technology has immediate benefit for patients and is also beneficial for doctors who can monitor their patients’ inhaler usage remotely.

“Improper inhaler technique is not just a local problem; it’s a global problem, and not even an age-restricted problem,” said Mr. Vokey. “BreatheSuite is being developed here in Newfoundland and Labrador, but it has the potential to help people with respiratory issues all over the world.” 


Student start-up helps people breathe easier

Brett Vokey wants to help people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) improve their lives and take control of inhaler effectiveness.

Mr. Vokey, a student in Memorial’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, is working with mentors in the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE) to develop an inhaler add-on device that will track and train patients on proper inhaler technique.

“I talked to doctors, pharmacists and patients all across North America, and it kept coming up that poor inhaler technique and poor inhaler adherence was a huge problem,” said Mr. Vokey.

BreatheSuite pairs a small, inhaler-mounted device with an app that shows the patient how well they’re adhering to their medication plan, provides feedback on inhaler technique, and ensures they receive optimal dosages of their medication. The technology has immediate benefit for patients and is also beneficial for doctors who can monitor their patients’ inhaler usage remotely.

“Improper inhaler technique is not just a local problem; it’s a global problem, and not even an age-restricted problem,” said Mr. Vokey. “BreatheSuite is being developed here in Newfoundland and Labrador, but it has the potential to help people with respiratory issues all over the world.” 

 

Student start-up helps people breathe easier

Brett Vokey wants to help people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) improve their lives and take control of inhaler effectiveness.

Mr. Vokey, a student in Memorial’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, is working with mentors in the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE) to develop an inhaler add-on device that will track and train patients on proper inhaler technique.

“I talked to doctors, pharmacists and patients all across North America, and it kept coming up that poor inhaler technique and poor inhaler adherence was a huge problem,” said Mr. Vokey.

BreatheSuite pairs a small, inhaler-mounted device with an app that shows the patient how well they’re adhering to their medication plan, provides feedback on inhaler technique, and ensures they receive optimal dosages of their medication. The technology has immediate benefit for patients and is also beneficial for doctors who can monitor their patients’ inhaler usage remotely.

“Improper inhaler technique is not just a local problem; it’s a global problem, and not even an age-restricted problem,” said Mr. Vokey. “BreatheSuite is being developed here in Newfoundland and Labrador, but it has the potential to help people with respiratory issues all over the world.” 

 

Student startup helps people breathe easier

Brett Vokey wants to help people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) improve their lives and take control of inhaler effectiveness.

Mr. Vokey, a student in Memorial’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, is working with mentors in the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE) to develop an inhaler add-on device that will track and train patients on proper inhaler technique.

“I talked to doctors, pharmacists and patients all across North America, and it kept coming up that poor inhaler technique and poor inhaler adherence was a huge problem,” said Mr. Vokey.

BreatheSuite pairs a small, inhaler-mounted device with an app that shows the patient how well they’re adhering to their medication plan, provides feedback on inhaler technique, and ensures they receive optimal dosages of their medication. The technology has immediate benefit for patients and is also beneficial for doctors who can monitor their patients’ inhaler usage remotely.

“Improper inhaler technique is not just a local problem; it’s a global problem, and not even an age-restricted problem,” said Mr. Vokey. “BreatheSuite is being developed here in Newfoundland and Labrador, but it has the potential to help people with respiratory issues all over the world.” 

 

Screen Shot 2018-10-31 at 2.07.25 PM

BreatheSuite "smart inhaler"

 

BreatheSuite "smart inhaler"

Mentorship

Mr. Vokey leads the mechanical design and business development for BreatheSuite, and works with a team of engineering students, including Darryl Day, Matt Noseworthy and Nick Warren, and computational science graduate student Andrew Way.

Throughout the project, the team has been mentored by Jason Trask, programs catalyst at MCE, and Mandy Woodland and Chuck Love at Bounce Innovation. They’ve also worked closely with Meshari Alwashami, PhD student; Dr. Andrew Smith, associate professor of family medicine, Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine; and Dr. Mary Jane Smith, assistant professor of pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine.

"Dr. Mary Jane Smith got really interested in the product and wanted to come on board and help take things to the next level,” said Mr. Vokey. “She’s been a huge help in doing so."

 

Clinical trial

A study at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre will begin in 2019 and will run for four to six months. Dr. Mary Jane Smith is leading the small clinical trial when BreatheSuite will be used for the first time with patients.

 

"I believe BreatheSuite has the potential to revolutionize asthma management."

- DR. MARY JANE SMITH

 

“This study will help us determine if BreatheSuite is effective in improving inhaler technique,” said Dr. Smith. “We are also looking at asthma control before and after the use of the device, as well as patients’ experiences with the device and mobile app.” 

Dr. Smith says she is excited to be involved with BreatheSuite and is hopeful for the impact it may have.

“I believe BreatheSuite has the potential to revolutionize asthma management,” said Dr. Smith. “When technique and adherence are optimized, we can eliminate some of the biggest barriers to good asthma control. There is potential to decrease exacerbations, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and missed school and work time. I think BreatheSuite will also engage patients to take a more active role in their own care.” 

 

Award-winning and inspiring

Following the clinical trial, Mr. Vokey and his team are aiming for product launch in early 2019. Thus far, the project has won MCE’s 2018 Mel Woodward Cup, an Embryo Grant, was one of two Canadian companies selected for the finals of the New York Health Challenge, and was one of two Memorial University representatives at the University Startup World Cup in October 2018 in Copenhagen.

Although he is honoured by the awards and support, when Mr. Vokey began developing BreatheSuite, he didn’t know that inspiration might hit so close to home.

“Recently, one of my family members started using an inhaler, and she’s complained to me that, when she’s taking her inhaler, she has no idea whether she’s getting what she needs,” said Mr. Vokey. “So it’s interesting that, while I’m developing this technology, I have a family member who is having these issues. It’s definitely inspiring.”

 

 

Mentorship

Mr. Vokey leads the mechanical design and business development for BreatheSuite, and works with a team of engineering students, including Darryl Day, Matt Noseworthy and Nick Warren, and computational science graduate student Andrew Way.

Throughout the project, the team has been mentored by Jason Trask, programs catalyst at MCE, and Mandy Woodland and Chuck Love at Bounce Innovation. They’ve also worked closely with Meshari Alwashami, PhD student; Dr. Andrew Smith, associate professor of family medicine, Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine; and Dr. Mary Jane Smith, assistant professor of pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine.

"Dr. Mary Jane Smith got really interested in the product and wanted to come on board and help take things to the next level,” said Mr. Vokey. “She’s been a huge help in doing so."

 

Clinical trial

A study at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre will begin in 2019 and will run for four to six months. Dr. Mary Jane Smith is leading the small clinical trial when BreatheSuite will be used for the first time with patients.

 

"I believe BreatheSuite has the potential to revolutionize asthma management."

- DR. MARY JANE SMITH

 

“This study will help us determine if BreatheSuite is effective in improving inhaler technique,” said Dr. Smith. “We are also looking at asthma control before and after the use of the device, as well as patients’ experiences with the device and mobile app.” 

Dr. Smith says she is excited to be involved with BreatheSuite and is hopeful for the impact it may have.

“I believe BreatheSuite has the potential to revolutionize asthma management,” said Dr. Smith. “When technique and adherence are optimized, we can eliminate some of the biggest barriers to good asthma control. There is potential to decrease exacerbations, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and missed school and work time. I think BreatheSuite will also engage patients to take a more active role in their own care.” 

 

Award-winning and inspiring

Following the clinical trial, Mr. Vokey and his team are aiming for product launch in early 2019. Thus far, the project has won MCE’s 2018 Mel Woodward Cup, an Embryo Grant, was one of two Canadian companies selected for the finals of the New York Health Challenge, and was one of two Memorial University representatives at the University Startup World Cup in October 2018 in Copenhagen.

Although he is honoured by the awards and support, when Mr. Vokey began developing BreatheSuite, he didn’t know that inspiration might hit so close to home.

“Recently, one of my family members started using an inhaler, and she’s complained to me that, when she’s taking her inhaler, she has no idea whether she’s getting what she needs,” said Mr. Vokey. “So it’s interesting that, while I’m developing this technology, I have a family member who is having these issues. It’s definitely inspiring.”

 

 

Mentorship

Mr. Vokey leads the mechanical design and business development for BreatheSuite, and works with a team of engineering students, including Darryl Day, Matt Noseworthy and Nick Warren, and computational science graduate student Andrew Way.

Throughout the project, the team has been mentored by Jason Trask, programs catalyst at MCE, and Mandy Woodland and Chuck Love at Bounce Innovation. They’ve also worked closely with Meshari Alwashami, PhD student; Dr. Andrew Smith, associate professor of family medicine, Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine; and Dr. Mary Jane Smith, assistant professor of pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine.

"Dr. Mary Jane Smith got really interested in the product and wanted to come on board and help take things to the next level,” said Mr. Vokey. “She’s been a huge help in doing so."

 

Clinical trial

A study at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre will begin in 2019 and will run for four to six months. Dr. Mary Jane Smith is leading the small clinical trial when BreatheSuite will be used for the first time with patients.

 

"I believe BreatheSuite has the potential to revolutionize asthma management."

- DR. MARY JANE SMITH

 

“This study will help us determine if BreatheSuite is effective in improving inhaler technique,” said Dr. Smith. “We are also looking at asthma control before and after the use of the device, as well as patients’ experiences with the device and mobile app.” 

Dr. Smith says she is excited to be involved with BreatheSuite and is hopeful for the impact it may have.

“I believe BreatheSuite has the potential to revolutionize asthma management,” said Dr. Smith. “When technique and adherence are optimized, we can eliminate some of the biggest barriers to good asthma control. There is potential to decrease exacerbations, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and missed school and work time. I think BreatheSuite will also engage patients to take a more active role in their own care.” 

 

Award-winning and inspiring

Following the clinical trial, Mr. Vokey and his team are aiming for product launch in early 2019. Thus far, the project has won MCE’s 2018 Mel Woodward Cup, an Embryo Grant, was one of two Canadian companies selected for the finals of the New York Health Challenge, and was one of two Memorial University representatives at the University Startup World Cup in October 2018 in Copenhagen.

Although he is honoured by the awards and support, when Mr. Vokey began developing BreatheSuite, he didn’t know that inspiration might hit so close to home.

“Recently, one of my family members started using an inhaler, and she’s complained to me that, when she’s taking her inhaler, she has no idea whether she’s getting what she needs,” said Mr. Vokey. “So it’s interesting that, while I’m developing this technology, I have a family member who is having these issues. It’s definitely inspiring.”

 

 

Mentorship

Mr. Vokey leads the mechanical design and business development for BreatheSuite, and works with a team of engineering students, including Darryl Day, Matt Noseworthy and Nick Warren, and computational science graduate student Andrew Way.

Throughout the project, the team has been mentored by Jason Trask, programs catalyst at MCE, and Mandy Woodland and Chuck Love at Bounce Innovation. They’ve also worked closely with Meshari Alwashami, PhD student; Dr. Andrew Smith, associate professor of family medicine, Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine; and Dr. Mary Jane Smith, assistant professor of pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine. 

Clinical trial

A study at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre  will begin in 2019 and will run for four to six months. Dr. Mary Jane Smith is leading the small clinical trial when BreatheSuite will be used for the first time with patients.

 

"I believe BreatheSuite has the potential to revolutionize asthma management"

- DR. MARY JANE SMITH

 

“This study will help us determine if BreatheSuite is effective in improving inhaler technique,” said Dr. Smith. “We are also looking at asthma control before and after the use of the device, as well as patients’ experiences with the device and mobile app. 

Dr. Smith says she is excited to be involved with BreatheSuite and is hopeful for the impact it may have.

“I believe BreatheSuite has the potential to revolutionize asthma management,” said Dr. Smith. “When technique and adherence are optimized, we can eliminate some of the biggest barriers to good asthma control. There is potential to decrease exacerbations, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and missed school and work time. I think BreatheSuite will also engage patients to take a more active role in their own care.” 

 

Award-winning and inspiring

Following the clinical trial, Mr. Vokey and his team are aiming for product launch in early 2019. Thus far, the project has won MCE’s 2018 Mel Woodward Cup, an Embryo Grant, was one of two Canadian companies selected for the finals of the New York Health Challenge, and was one of two Memorial University representatives at the University Startup World Cup in October 2018 in Copenhagen.

Although he is honoured by the awards and support, when Mr. Vokey began developing BreatheSuite, he didn’t know that inspiration might hit so close to home.

“Recently, one of my family members started using an inhaler, and she’s complained to me that, when she’s taking her inhaler, she has no idea whether she’s getting what she needs,” said Mr. Vokey. “So it’s interesting that, while I’m developing this technology, I have a family member who is having these issues. It’s definitely inspiring.”

 

 

MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY   |   Newfoundland and Labrador's University    |    OFFICE of  THE PRESIDENT   |   president@mun.ca  |  709 864 8212

MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY OF NEWFOUNDLAND   |   Newfoundland and Labrador's University    |    OFFICE of  THE PRESIDENT  |  president@mun.ca  |  709 864 8212  

MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY OF NEWFOUNDLAND   |   Newfoundland and Labrador's University    |    OFFICE of  THE PRESIDENT  |  president@mun.ca  |  709 864 8212  

MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY OF NEWFOUNDLAND   |   Newfoundland and Labrador's University
|   OFFICE of  THE PRESIDENT
  |  president@mun.ca  |  709 864 8212