MDI Trigger Guard Granted FDA Approval

MDI Trigger Guard, the developer of a simple locking clip for metered dose inhalers has been given permission to distribute their device in the United States. The device easily attaches to most popular brands of asthma inhalers preventing them from accidentally going off while being carried in a purse, pocket, back-pack etc. This offers peace of mind and increased security to both patients and caregivers.

Mississauga, Ontario (PRWEB) July 11, 2004 -- The US Food and Drug Administration has granted pre-market approval to a small suburban Toronto based developer of a locking device that easily attaches to a metered dose inhaler(MDI). Albuterol inhalers are an asthmatic's front line defence in case of an acute attack. For that reason, asthma sufferers carry their inhalers with them at all times. Current MDI's provide no protection against accidental discharge while being carried in a pocket, purse, back-pack, tote bag or under a pillow at night. Company spokesman Stan Langford says "The MDI Trigger Guard is a simple C shaped clip with the singular purpose of preventing accidental discharge of medication, while not significantly or in any meaningful way hindering the rapid deployment of the inhaler."

The sudden and potentially lethal results of an asthma attack necessitate that MDIs be designed for rapid deployment. The user has only to shake the canister, remove the cap covering the mouthpiece and place the mouthpiece upright in their mouth. Pressing down on the canister, which protrudes above the body of the device, releases a specific amount of medicine which is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and directly into the lungs alleviating the asthmatic symptoms. However, this design*, which allows the inhaler to be deployed quickly, also makes it vulnerable to being accidentally discharged while being transported. The MDI Trigger Guard simply and effectively addresses this problem.

An MDI Trigger Guard could significantly reduce the amount of medicine prescribed at a savings to individuals, insurers and governments, with no cost to the health, welfare or safety of the consumer... and it could potentially save a life.

According to the American Lung Association, in 2001 it was estimated that 20.3 million Americans suffered from asthma. Of these, 12 million (4 million children under 18) had an asthma attack or episode during that same year. Close to 2 million emergency room visits were attributed to asthma in 2000, and sadly 4487 deaths. Running out of medicine is a common reason for many emergency room visits.

For information: http://www.mditriggerguard.com or
Contact: info@mditriggerguard.com
Phone: 905 828 3462

*It is important to note that existing MDIs are not defective or of poor design, and are probably not in need of modification. Only a percentage of MDI users will benefit from the Trigger Guard. Redesigning the existing MDI to include a built in locking mechanism might make it more costly or bulky, which might in turn lead to reduced patient compliance.