Drug-free hay fever relief developed
Scientists at Auckland University of Technology have come up with a potential solution to a problem affecting almost 20 percent of Kiwis – hay fever.
The small, drug-free device - called Goodair Nosebuds - works to help fight the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion by boosting the body’s own natural defence mechanism.
Inspired by yoga breathing and developed by a team of AUT staff and students, Goodair Nosebuds emit a low hum inside the nose while nasal breathing, mimicking the natural vibrations of nasal cells, which help clear mucus and pathogens from the airways, project lead and BioDesign Lab co-director, Associate Professor David White says.
“The device can be worn for as little as 10 minutes, twice a day, for benefits to be experienced, potentially enabling hay fever and chronic congestion sufferers to ditch drugs like steroids and antihistamines,” he says.
“The vibrations caused by breathing through the nose while wearing the nose buds is similar to the yogic practice of Bhramari Pranayama, which translates to ‘bumblebee breath’ because it’s at the same sound frequency bumblebees make when flying.”
Associate Professor White, who is also science and technology lead at Goodair, says ongoing research is investigating if the vibrations may also stimulate cellular nitric oxide production, which can help oxygen uptake in the lungs, improve circulation and modulate neurological function - including depression, memory and sleep staging.
Although Goodair Nosebuds are not yet available to consumers, the good news is the device is one step closer to hitting the market.
The Goodair Nosebuds technology is exclusively licenced by AUT Ventures to company My Better Breathing, which received $1.65 million of investment to manufacture and test 350 prototypes in a clinical study.
This includes $900,000 of investment led by WNT Ventures alongside private investors and $750,000 from Callaghan Innovation’s Technology Incubator Programme.
“While working on another related technology invented by Associate Professor David White, the combined team identified the market need for a drug-free nasal decongestant” AUT Ventures Chief Executive Michael Fielding says.
“AUT Ventures protected the intellectual property, validated the market opportunity, won funding from KiwiNet for the first prototype, and brought on entrepreneur Kerri McMaster, who set up My Better Breathing as the vehicle for commercialisation,” Fielding says.
With hay fever season well and truly upon us, and climate change set to both lengthen and increase the intensity of allergens in the air, Goodair Nosebuds will be a breath of fresh air for consumers, Associate Professor White says.
The $1.65m investment will be used to finalise prototypes of the Goodair Nosebuds, with plans to bring the product to market in the second quarter of 2024.