A few North American companies are exploring vape-like devices to help with migraines and respiratory diseases like asthma. However, convincing health authorities and patients that these devices could be the future of inhaled medication will be challenging.
Two companies, Qnovia, and MIIST Therapeutics, have created vape-like devices using technology from existing medical nebulizers, which convert liquid medications into fine mist.
Another company, Greentank, claims to have developed a heating chip that safely vaporizes substances. This innovation could offer a better way to treat conditions like migraines.
Experts and these companies believe that inhaling medication can relieve pain in seconds with fewer side effects than pills. However, selling vape-like devices in the medical field, especially with growing concerns about the health impacts of vapes, will be complex.
For now, Qnovia and MIIST plan to launch their devices as prescription-only nicotine replacement therapies (NRT). Greenbank, on the other hand, is focusing on using its heating chip in recreational cannabis and nicotine vapes.
The ultimate goal for these companies is to use their devices to deliver various drugs. Douglas Dunlap, Greentank’s chief commercial officer, points to migraine medication as an example.
Migraine treatment is often given through pills, which can take up to an hour to work and may cause symptoms like vomiting and dizziness.
“If we could shorten that time, it would be a huge success for us,” said Dunlap, a former executive at JUUL, noting that vapes can deliver relief within 60 seconds.
Globally, three billion people suffer from migraines, according to the World Health Organization. Hundreds of millions more deal with conditions like asthma or pulmonary diseases, which are commonly treated with inhaled medications.
In 2023, pharmaceutical giant GSK made nearly 7 billion pounds ($8.9 billion) from respiratory medicines for asthma and pulmonary diseases.
