#Netherlands #Amsterdam #Kaia Health #COPD #MedImprove

Collaboration Spearheading Change in COPD Treatment

In a significant development for the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Kaia Health, renowned for its innovation in digital therapeutics, has partnered with MedImprove, a prominent private lung rehabilitation clinic. This collaboration was unveiled at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2025 in Amsterdam, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing patient care through digital solutions.

COPD is a condition that afflicts over 16 million Americans and countless others globally. Despite the compelling evidence underscoring the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation—such as improved symptoms, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life—only a mere 3-4% of eligible patients typically undergo this vital therapy. The limitations often stem from access barriers and inadequate program capacities. To bridge this significant gap, the Kaia Breathe-MedImprove pilot initiative aims to leverage technology to provide effective rehabilitation directly to patients' homes.

What is the Kaia Breathe Solution?

Kaia Breathe is an advanced digital pulmonary rehabilitation program that utilizes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach. It combines supervised guidance from expert clinicians at MedImprove with innovative technology from Fluidda’s Functional Respiratory Imaging. The program is designed to empower COPD patients by delivering therapeutic interventions directly through a pre-loaded tablet equipped with the Kaia Breathe application. This application provides a multimodal therapy experience that includes:

• - Physical exercises tailored to improve lung function
• - Guided breathing techniques to enhance respiratory efficiency
• - Condition education to better understand COPD
• - Real-time feedback powered by Kaia's proprietary Motion Coach™ technology.

Pilot Program Details

The pilot will enroll between 25 to 50 patients to participate in a 16-week program rigorously designed to assess various outcomes relating to the effectiveness of digital rehabilitation. The metrics for the pilot will include patient engagement and adherence, monitoring clinical outcomes, and evaluating potential reimbursement avenues.

By harnessing Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) reimbursement codes, the pilot seeks to explore innovative funding pathways that align reimbursement practices with measurable patient outcomes, such as reduced hospitalizations and exacerbations.

Clinical Evidence Supporting Kaia Breathe

Multiple studies validating the Kaia Breathe program showcase encouraging results:

• - CAT Score Improvement: Participants have shown an average improvement of -3 points on the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), contrasting with a +4 point decline in the control group, indicating both statistical and clinical significance.
• - Quality of Life Increases: Patients reported significant gains in validated health-related quality of life assessments, particularly through the views expressed in the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ).
• - Enhanced Physical Activity: Users of the Kaia Breathe program maintained a higher step count, with many exceeding the critical threshold of 5,000 steps per day, which is significant for reducing the likelihood of COPD-related rehospitalization.
• - Functional Capacity Gains: The average improvement in the one-minute sit-to-stand test (1MSTS) exceeded one full repetition from baseline, highlighting the program's efficacy in enhancing physical capability.

Leadership Insights

Yury Rozenman, General Manager of Kaia Pulmonary Care, remarked, “This collaboration marks an important step in bringing equitable access to pulmonary rehabilitation. By combining Kaia's clinical evidence with MedImprove's expertise in respiratory care, we empower COPD patients to manage their health from the comfort of home.”

Jan DeBacker, CEO of MedImprove, added, “Our mission to push the boundaries of lung rehabilitation aligns perfectly with this initiative. By leveraging digital innovation and proven clinical outcomes, we can ensure that patients receive timely and efficient care tailored to their needs.”

Conclusion

The Kaia Breathe-MedImprove pilot program not only represents a leap forward in treating COPD but also serves as a model for future digital health interventions aimed at chronic disease management. By gathering real-world evidence and addressing accessible care, this initiative promises to transform the landscape of pulmonary rehabilitation, making significant strides toward improving patient outcomes globally.

About the Companies

Kaia Health is a leader in digital therapeutics, focusing on providing clinically validated programs that cater to chronic disease management. MedImprove operates a network of advanced respiratory clinics dedicated to improving lung health through innovative diagnostic and rehabilitation techniques. Together, they are paving the way for a new era of patient-centered care in respiratory health.