Kali Care, a leader in remote medication monitoring and digital intervention, today shared the initial results from the world’s first known study into patient adherence to steroid eyedrop medication after Glaucoma surgery.

The results of the first phase of a 12-month trial have been published under the title ‘Electronically Monitored Steroid Eyedrop Adherence After Trabeculectomy Compared to Surgical Success’ and has been conducted by the Glaucoma Clinic of the Wilmer Eye Institute in conjunction with the Johns Hopkins University and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).

For decades, trabeculectomy has been the most common procedure performed to treat all forms of Glaucoma. The success or otherwise of the procedure is largely reliant on the controlled healing of the conjunctiva and sclera, and it is now common practice to prescribe topical corticosteroid eyedrops to aid recovery.

It is an uncomfortable reality, however, that adherence to prescribed medications is poor among Glaucoma patients, resulting in sub-optimal patient outcomes. The purpose of the study is therefore to measure adherence of post-op patients to steroid eyedrops to determine effect in surgical outcomes.

Niccolo Dosto, Co Research Program Coordinator at Johns Hopkins University commented, “The use of corticosteroid eye drops has become ubiquitous in post-operative management for Glaucoma surgery and all eye surgery. However, there is a lack of research and evidence on whether adherence to the prescribed frequencies of steroid eye drop use has an effect on Glaucoma surgery success and other aspects of care, including patient comfort. If findings from the Kali device indicate that better adherence improves outcomes, the use of reminder systems and a revision of the usual standard-of-care practices may be indicated.”

Although the study is only halfway complete, the initial data is extremely positive, suggesting that devices recording medication use in real-time can be linked to electronic reminder systems, which have been proven to increase patient adherence to medication.

Sina Fateh, MD, Founder and CEO of Kali Care commented “Kali Care was born out of my frustration with the devastating impact of non-adherence by patients to medication and the lack of an adequate solution. This is the first time a real-time and objective monitoring system has been used to show how adherence affects the outcome of an eye surgery and I am excited by the initial results. We can now say with confidence that the use of connectivity has a positive impact on patient outcomes post-surgery. This could prove to be a game changer in the way in which ophthalmic medication adherence is monitored and improved, ensuring patients receive optimal treatment and see better outcomes.”

“As a round one investor and partner of Kali Care, we are pleased to see the initial results from this study. The data so far demonstrates how Kali Care can support eyecare medication adherence, providing a basis for much better patient outcomes,” added Gael Touya, President of Aptar Pharma. “We’re excited to continue to support Kali Care in its important work.”

About Kali Care

Kali Care is a digital health company leveraging its clinically proven connected technology to provide digital monitoring and interventions across clinical trials and clinical care. Kali Care works with global customers including pharmaceutical companies and health care providers. With more than 60 patents filed, Kali Care technologies are measuring, monitoring, and improving patient engagement through connectivity, data analytics and personalized communications. Kali Care was founded in 2014 and is funded by Aptar Pharma, the global leader in drug delivery, a major pharmaceutical company, and institutional investors. For more information, visit kali.care

About Aptar Pharma

Aptar Pharma is part of AptarGroup Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacturing of a broad range of drug delivery, consumer product dispensing and active packaging solutions. Aptar uses insights, design, engineering, and science to create dosing, dispensing and protective packaging technologies for the world’s leading brands, in turn making a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of millions of people around the world. Aptar’s innovative solutions and services serve a variety of end markets including pharmaceutical, beauty, personal care, home, food, and beverage. The company is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois and has 14,000 dedicated employees in 20 countries. For more information, visit www.aptar.com