Dr Susan Kelly, founder of QUBIS spin-out Aflo Respiratory Analytics, has been recognised with the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award for her pioneering work in MedTech. Recently, an intimate gathering at Queen’s University Belfast’s Research and Enterprise Offices brought together colleagues and supporters to celebrate this significant achievement. Sharon Morgan Young, representing the Innovation Department at Queen’s, extended congratulations to Dr Kelly, acknowledging her contributions to respiratory healthcare innovation.
Addressing a Critical Healthcare Challenge
For millions of people living with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the correct use of an inhaler is essential to effective treatment. However, studies indicate that 90 per cent of people make at least one error when using their inhalers, reducing the effectiveness of their medication and, in severe cases, contributing to life-threatening complications.
Aflo has been developed to tackle this challenge. Co-founded by Dr Susan Kelly, Dr Jim Harkin, and Professor Liam McDaid, Aflo is an advanced AI-driven medical device designed to automate and optimise inhaler technique. By using sensors and intelligent technology, the device ensures that patients receive the correct dosage, improving treatment outcomes and potentially saving lives.
Poor inhaler technique remains a widespread issue and is a contributing factor to the UK’s high asthma mortality rate, one of the worst in Europe. Many patients are unaware of the severity of their condition until it reaches a critical stage. Ensuring that inhalers are used correctly is a key part of improving symptom control and reducing preventable complications.
A Personal and Professional Mission
Dr Kelly’s commitment to respiratory healthcare is rooted in both professional expertise and personal experience.
With 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry, she has worked extensively on the introduction of new medicines for asthma and COPD. Alongside this professional background, she has seen the impact of these conditions within her own family, reinforcing the need for better solutions.
Her work with clinicians further highlighted the scale of the issue. Poor inhaler technique continues to be a significant problem, with direct consequences for patient health. This insight led her to establish Respiratory Analytics and develop Aflo as a solution to address the problem.
Innovation and Progress
Since its inception in late 2019, Aflo has made substantial progress in the development of its technology. A clinical trial in asthma is currently underway, with a second trial for COPD planned for the coming year. A usability study conducted in 2021 provided key insights into patient and clinician needs, ensuring the device is designed with the end user in mind. Collaboration with Asthma & Lung UK has allowed patients, healthcare professionals, and carers to contribute to the design process, refining the technology to meet real-world needs. The Belfast-based design firm Big Motive has also played a crucial role in shaping the user experience, ensuring the device is as intuitive as possible.
The company is now focused on obtaining a CE mark, a critical step in bringing the product to market.
Women in Innovation: Supporting Female-Led MedTech
Dr Kelly’s award from Innovate UK is not only a recognition of her work but also a step towards addressing the gender imbalance in medical technology and innovation.
Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within the MedTech sector, and initiatives such as Women in Innovation play an important role in expanding professional networks and supporting female-led businesses in technology and healthcare. This award will provide Dr Kelly with essential resources, including financial support to advance Aflo’s clinical research and product development, mentorship from industry leaders, and opportunities to connect with other women in technology and innovation.
Shaping the Future of Respiratory Care
Aflo is more than a technological advancement; it has the potential to transform the treatment of respiratory conditions by ensuring that patients use their inhalers correctly. By addressing a long-standing issue in asthma and COPD management, Dr Kelly and her team are driving change in respiratory healthcare.
With her combination of scientific expertise, industry experience, and personal motivation, Dr Kelly is at the forefront of innovation in medical technology. This award marks a significant milestone in her journey—one that promises to have a lasting impact on the future of respiratory care.
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