Witi, Perrigo Join Hands to Help Smokers Quit

By Rajaneesh K. Gopinath, Ph.D.

Continuing the trend of tech companies partnering with big pharma, this recent collaboration aims to develop a new, inventive smoking cessation product.

Wellness Insight Technologies, Inc. (Witi) is a tech company that manufactures AI-powered, vaporization devices. Today, it announced a partnership with Ireland-based Perrigo to license its patent-pending IP in developing an Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) that helps smokers quit. If successful, the companies plan to pursue regulatory approval for the product.

Using IoT and AI-enabled platform, Witi’s next-generation vaporizer offers precision dosing, guidance and social engagement to its customers besides safety. Its proprietary Dose-to-effect technology™ helps users to track their progress and make informed decisions in their journey to quit smoking and vaping. On the other hand, Perrigo is a leader in the area of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). The pharma giant sells various products such as nicotine patches, lozenges, and chewing gums.

Both companies expressed their excitement about the partnership. “Given the current controversies regarding ENDS products, we believe there is an opportunity for consumers to have access to an ENDS system that is safe and effective and has been approved by appropriate regulatory authorities. Perrigo is the right company to work with regulatory bodies like the FDA given our unique portfolio of NRT products. After diligent review, we are excited to partner with Witi’s technology to develop a device that addresses the unique needs of smokers and vapers who want to quit,” said James Dillard, EVP and Chief Scientific Officer at Perrigo.

“While a gap still exists in understanding the biological and social factors involved with quitting smoking, we do know support is critical – proving up to three times more effective in eliminating the habit,” said Ramon Alarcon, founder and CEO of Witi. “Our smart technology, developed with dosing and safety protocols, is a natural fit for nicotine cessation because it takes into account highly-individualized factors such as lifestyle, timing and even ‘bad days.’ Rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription, Witi’s adaptive approach provides intelligent dosing capable of delivering a powerful solution to the gamut of nicotine consumption triggers.”

References

1. http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/11/07/1943219/0/en/Perrigo-and-Witi-Partner-To-Help-Smokers-Quit-Smoking.html

Author

Rajaneesh K. Gopinath