This week, AdhereTech has launched a second-generation version of its smart wireless pill bottle, made with Eastman Tritan copolyester. This innovative medical device helps patients with high-risk diseases properly adhere to their medications. AdhereTech’s bottle automatically tracks and sends patients’ adherence patterns in real time. The system then analyzes the data and issues customizable alerts, such as on-bottle lights and chimes, automated phone calls and text messages. The new bottle used Eastman Chemical Company’s Tritan material to provide the stability and durability the bottle needs to store high-strength medication.

“We needed the most stable plastic on the market and knew Eastman Tritan copolyester was being used alongside oncology and cancer medications, which requires an incredibly safe and reliable plastic,” said Josh Stein, chief executive officer and cofounder of AdhereTech. “Certain medications are kept in AdhereTech bottles for multiple years, so it is important we use a plastic that is stable and durable enough to last that extended period of time. We chose Tritan to ensure this safety.”

Along with using Eastman Tritan copolyester, additional improvements for the latest version of the AdhereTech bottle were made to mimic the look and feel of a traditional pill bottle that is commonly used for medications. The design flexibility of Tritan enables the bottle to achieve this intended shape and, in addition, to have a clean, white appearance.

“Patients typically don’t use other medical devices and technologies because of the complicated setup and additional work that they require,” said Stein. “For any new health technology to be used in the first place, minimal effort must be required from patients. That’s why AdhereTech wireless smart pill bottles are used like standard pill bottles. They work from the moment the patient receives it, with no setup required. This way, those initial hurdles are avoided.”

Each bottle’s built-in cellular chip continuously records and transmits data, which is then stored on a secure real-time dashboard that can be analyzed by AdhereTech’s automated system and medical professionals. The ability to actively track the use of medication prevents patients from forgetting or skipping doses, ensuring intake is done correctly.

Due to the strength of the drugs and the importance placed on them being consumed properly, alerts can be set up to notify the patient, caregiver or another specified party when it’s time to take the medication. The bottle can light up, beep and send automated phone calls and text messages. It’s simple for patients of any age and even for the less tech-savvy.

“AdhereTech’s ideas for smart medical devices combined with the right material help patients recover at home with the powerful medications they require,” said Ellen Turner, market development manager of specialty plastics and medical devices at Eastman Chemical Company. “Eastman Tritan copolyester provides the increased toughness these types of medical products require and protects the technology within so they continue to be reliable. The material is also free of bisphenol A to meet current and potential medical regulations.” 

The pill bottle is currently used by top pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies and hospitals. It is used to promote adherence for existing drugs already on the market, as well as a tool to collect data for new drugs in clinical trials.