Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has partnered up with health tech startup Popit to help people take their rheumatoid arthritis medication on time. Finland-based Popit is a former finalist of the Innovation World Cup®.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimate, around 50% of patients with long-term illnesses adhere to their medication.

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Pfizer will offer its patients Popit’s adherence solution, which monitors pill-taking with a smart device and alerts users via an app if they forget to take their medication, reports MobiHealth News.

Initially, 1,000 people living in Finland, Sweden and Norway will benefit from the new scheme. The company said it’s currently discussing about eventually expanding the system to other countries in central Europe.

Selected patients will be able to pick up the Popit device for free from either their pharmacy or health clinic.

Popit makes pills connected. This smart pill reminder reduces missed pills by over 80%.

Here’s How it Works

• The small device called Popit Sense can be easily attached onto the pill sheet.
• Small metal spikes pierce the pill sheet and offer excellent grip.
• Three sensors work in a sequence to detect pill extraction automatically.
• Popit Sense is also augmented with a manual logging button.

The tiny device weighs only 12 grams. Battery lasts for up to 12 months. Bluetooth range is up to 30m/100ft. The system provides seamless tracking and reminds you only if you have missed your pill.

Why Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients?

Pfizer conducted a ‘deep dive’ into the treatment journey of rheumatoid arthritis patients. The company discovered that the patients weren’t receiving enough support in dealing with their condition.

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Pfizer’s partnership with Popit aims to support the proper implementation of these patients’ drug treatment.

“We want to increase the patient’s commitment to their treatment and also improve adherence so that treatment outcomes are better,” explains Popit cofounder, Timo Heikkilä.

“What is really game-changing with Popit’s solution is that it can be easily deployed for masses. There are no special requirements to the packaging and the device and app are very user friendly,” he adds.

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