Thinfilm moves into medical device sector

Printed electronics specialist Thinfilm has reached a deal with medical device company Ypsomed to apply its technology to self-injection devices.

Thinfilm's near-field communication (NFC) OpenSense labels will be added to Ypsomed's YpsoMate disposable autoinjectors to provide not only a means of authenticating the devices, but also ways to improve patient knowledge and compliance with treatment.

Ypsomed has a heritage of incorporating technology into its devices, for example by adding Bluetooth connectivity to insulin pumps so that data and software can be transferred to and from a computer.

The YpsoMate Smart injectors will be able to wirelessly transfer data to smartphones, for example to allow the user to access multimedia operating instructions and allow the device to report that a dose has been successfully administered.

The full text of the press release can be viewed below:

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Thinfilm and Ypsomed to deliver new generation of 'smart' medical injection devices

Thin Film Electronics ASA, a global leader in printed electronics and smart systems, today announced a partnership with the Ypsomed Group, a leading developer and manufacturer of injection systems for self-medication. Through the partnership, the companies will collaborate to incorporate Thinfilm's NFC OpenSense technology in the YpsoMate autoinjector as a means of improving patient self-care compliance.

YpsoMate autoinjectors are disposable 2-step injection systems that house pre-filled glass or polymer syringes, and are triggered by push-on-skin activation. Patients use autoinjectors to self-deliver periodic injections for the ongoing management of chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or cardiovascular indications, making compliance a critical factor in their treatment plan. Through the combination of the NFC OpenSense tags and a custom mobile app, patients will be able to receive valuable compliance assistance such as adherence history, injection reminders, usage guidelines, refill instructions and authentication. In turn, doctors will be able to track whether or not patients are adhering to daily self-medication requirements.

NFC OpenSense tags are thin, flexible labels that can detect both the state before and after injection of YpsoMate Smart autoinjector, wirelessly deliver content to patients through the simple tap of a smartphone, and record patients' interactions with the YpsoMate Smart device in the cloud. Each tag contains a unique identifier that makes it possible to track every YpsoMate Smart to the individual-item level. In addition, the tag remains active even after the factory seal has been broken, enabling an extended dialogue between patients, doctors and brands.

"As a leader in innovation and quality, Ypsomed is constantly looking for new ways to improve its product platform offering," said Simon Michel, CEO of Ypsomed. "We believe Thinfilm's NFC OpenSense can be of significant value to YpsoMate users across the globe, and we look forward to leveraging this next-generation technology to help improve patient adherence."

Ypsomed will be investing over 50 million Swiss francs (approx. $51.2m) in the coming years in the research and development of a new generation of injection and infusion systems. These systems support the administration of medications with intelligent electronic and software-based additional functions.

"Ypsomed is at the forefront of self-medication delivery systems, and it's clear that a focus on user-friendly products and the patient experience has played a key role in their success," said Davor Sutija, Thinfilm's CEO. "We're pleased to be working with Ypsomed and look forward to helping them connect YpsoMate Smart to the digital world."