Cipla Launches CipAir App for Asthma Screening in India

Cipla, a leading pharmaceutical company, has introduced CipAir, a mobile application aimed at providing timely and accessible first-line screening for asthma in India. This innovative app empowers individuals to assess their likelihood of having asthma and encourages early intervention and effective management.

Asthma in India: The Burden and Challenges

Asthma poses a significant public health challenge in India. According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) report, the total burden of asthma in the country is estimated at 34.3 million cases, with India contributing to 13.09% of the global asthma burden.

Additionally, India experiences a threefold higher asthma-related mortality rate and a twofold higher disability-adjusted life year (DALY) burden compared to global figures. This alarming scenario can largely be attributed to underdiagnosis and insufficient treatment, as highlighted by medical experts.

CipAir: A Game-Changing Solution

CipAir addresses the issue of delayed diagnosis by offering a mobile-based assessment that is simple and user-friendly. By providing an accessible starting point for asthma screening, it helps individuals detect their condition early, facilitating better management and improving overall health outcomes.

Features of the CipAir App

The CipAir application is currently available for Android devices and will soon be launched on iOS platforms. Integrated within Cipla’s Breathefree mobile application, CipAir uses a proprietary algorithm and software to turn a smartphone into an asthma screening device.

• Interactive Screening Process: The app guides users through an easy process where they perform three exhalations in a quiet setting while focusing on extinguishing a virtual candle displayed on the screen.

• Real-Time Feedback: CipAir provides immediate feedback on the user's effort and quality of the test, ensuring accurate results.

• Advanced Acoustic Analysis: The app analyses exhalation sounds using AI-driven technology to detect unique acoustic patterns that may indicate asthma.

• Instant Results: Within a minute, users receive their screening results categorized into three zones:

  • Red Zone: High likelihood of asthma; immediate medical intervention suggested.

  • Yellow Zone: Moderate likelihood; further testing recommended.

  • Green Zone: Low likelihood; no immediate action required.

Cipla’s Vision for AI-Driven Healthcare

Cipla’s leadership emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to revolutionize healthcare.

• Umang Vohra, Managing Director and Global CEO of Cipla, highlighted that AI-based technology like CipAir is a step forward in making personalized healthcare more accessible and user-friendly.

• Achin Gupta, CEO of Cipla’s One India Business, praised CipAir as a clinically validated tool that empowers patients to take control of their health. Gupta also reiterated Cipla’s commitment to addressing India’s growing asthma burden through innovative solutions.

Asthma Statistics in India

• INSEARCH Study Findings: The national asthma burden was estimated at 17.23 million cases, with an overall prevalence of 2.05% in adults.

• Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Report: The total asthma burden in India has risen to 34.3 million, with 13.2 deaths per thousand attributed to the disease.

• Mortality and DALYs: India’s asthma-related mortality and DALYs are significantly higher than global averages, reflecting the need for better diagnosis, awareness, and treatment options.

Empowering Patients Through CipAir

CipAir stands as a beacon of hope for millions of asthma patients in India. By offering an innovative, cost-free solution, Cipla ensures that individuals can take the first step toward understanding and managing their condition without needing complex or expensive diagnostic tools.

Conclusion

With the launch of CipAir, Cipla has revolutionized asthma screening in India. By combining AI-driven technology with user-friendly features, the app ensures early detection, timely intervention, and improved asthma management. As the nation grapples with a significant asthma burden, innovative tools like CipAir pave the way for better healthcare outcomes and a healthier future.