On the occasion of CES Las Vegas 2020, where many technological innovations are unveiled, a Nantes start-up presented a small connected object. Playful, it helps children with asthma or other chronic illnesses to take their treatment.
Currently, nearly 4 million children suffer from a chronic illness in France. Some will be able to be accompanied by a small character, baptized Meyko. This device, designed and marketed by a Nantes start-up, sulks when it’s time to take your medicine. As soon as the treatment is taken, he smiles again. The connected man accompanies more and more children with diabetes, epilepsy or cystic fibrosis. Initially, four years ago, it was created for asthmatics. Currently, it is presented on the occasion of the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas (United States), where innovative products and prototypes are unveiled.
“Dramatize this ritual”
Today, Meyko accompanies 400 patients on a daily basis. It was marketed a few months ago, after a long research phase and a crowdfunding campaign. It is also found in the pediatric departments of several university hospitals in France, such as at the Necker hospital in Paris. The connected man accompanies children who have to accept treatment, which is often heavy. “Meyko serves to play down this ritual, whether it is an injection, a syrup, or an inhaler”, explains Sandrine Bender, founder of the start-up, and herself an asthmatic. “Parents tell us that he softens things up, that the motivation comes back. This is very important because irregular treatment can lead to complications, seizures and hospitalizations.”
A diary for parents
Meyko proves to be useful for parents as well. Indeed, it is connected to a smartphone application, which allows them, for example, to note the times of intake, report certain symptoms or events to report to the doctor. “This allows a more precise diagnosis, says Sandrine Bender, whose invention has already received around twenty prizes. The doctor knows that the treatment is taken correctly, he can thus refine the dosage, schedule examinations if necessary. For this year 2020, the start-up wants 1,500 children to have their own Meyko. At the price of 129€, it is available in line and in some pharmacies.
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