Several North American companies explored the potential for vape-like devices to address migraines and respiratory diseases such as asthma. These firms worked to convince health authorities and patients that their products could represent a new approach to inhaled medication.
Two companies, Qnovia and MIIST Therapeutics, developed vape-like devices based on technology used in existing medical nebulizers, which converted liquid medications into a fine mist. Another company, Greentank, reported developing a method to vaporize substances via a heating chip that aimed to address safety concerns with current vapes and potentially offer an alternative approach to treating ailments like migraines.
The companies and experts suggested that inhalation could relieve pain rapidly, with potentially fewer side effects than oral medications. Their goal was to market devices resembling vapes in the medical sphere, at a time when there were ongoing discussions about the health impacts of recreational vaping products.
Initially, Qnovia and MIIST planned to launch their products as prescription-only nicotine replacement therapy treatments, while Greentank targeted the use of its heating chip in recreational cannabis and nicotine vapes. The companies ultimately aimed to see their devices delivering a wide range of drugs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that three billion people globally suffered from migraines. Hundreds of millions more had conditions like asthma or pulmonary diseases, treated with inhaled medications. In 2023, pharmaceutical company GSK generated almost 7 billion pounds ($8.9 billion) of revenue from general respiratory medicines for conditions such as asthma and pulmonary diseases.
Federico Buonocore, a professor focused on alternative pulmonary drug delivery at Kingston University in Britain, noted that existing inhaled drug delivery devices were often difficult to operate correctly. He suggested that a vape-like design could potentially address such challenges.
Tobacco companies had previously attempted to enter this market. Qnovia and MIIST, as pharmaceutical firms not associated with the tobacco industry, planned to pursue regulatory approvals for their devices.
Authorities like the WHO had expressed concerns about potential harmful emissions from vapes. The companies aimed to address these concerns through their technologies.
As these initiatives progressed, companies sought to navigate regulatory requirements and address safety considerations. The medical community continued to evaluate the potential applications of these new devices in clinical practice.
