There is new hope for tuberculosis patients with the introduction of Wisepill’s “smart pill box” aimed for distribution in China, India and Africa.
A South African company has been chosen by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation to develop a smart pill box reminder for TB patients worldwide. The pill box is designed to record every time medication is taken. It can be used by caregivers and doctors to monitor and assist patients, to overcome TB by diligently taking their medication.
Wisepill’s clever pill box has already been given to 3 800 patients in China as the first phase of a roll out which is expected to reach 24 counties in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Jilin. South Africa is one of the African countries that will also benefit.
Founded in 2007, Wisepill Technologies is a South African-based manufacturer of medical devices aimed at improving the health of people suffering from chronic disease. The new pill box is affordable, is specifically designed for blister-packaged TB medications, and has a built-in audio visual alarm to remind patients when to take their medication and when to return to the clinic. The device tracks all openings and data can be downloaded and viewed by caregivers.
The Arcady Group, on behalf of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, selected Wisepill Technologies to develop and manufacture the device. Bruce Thomas, founder and Managing Director of The Arcady Group stated “We are grateful to the Gates Foundation for their support, and we are very pleased to have been able to help bring a new, highly affordable technology to the global fight against tuberculosis”
Wisepill Technologies has developed and distributed more than 10 000 medication dispensers to more than 20 countries and for more than 40 research trials.
Wisepill Technologies founder and director, Lloyd Marshall, commented, “We are very proud to be able to provide this affordable reminder and monitoring tool to help in the fight against TB internationally.”
* More information at visit www.wisepill.com; and contact Wisepill Director Ricci Marshall on +27 82 680 7681 or ricci@wisepill.com.
