Sempresto acquires Alerje’s smartphone-integrated auto-injector platform

Sempresto Inc., a medical device company specializing in smartphone-integrated rescue drug delivery, has acquired Alerje’s mobile device–integrated auto-injector platform, including its intellectual property and physical assets. The platform represents nearly 10 years of work by Alerje, whose innovations in allergy management technology have received widespread recognition.

“This platform is technically sound, IP secured, and commercially relevant,” said Elizabeth Reczek, PhD, CEO of Sempresto. “With Sempresto’s expertise, capital, and clarity of purpose, we are well positioned to accelerate final development and deliver this life saving innovation to patients who need it most.”

The acquisition gives Sempresto control of what Alerje describes as a globally dominant patent position for smartphone-mounted drug delivery systems. The company plans to advance the platform toward commercialization, aiming to offer patients a rescue therapy option designed to be both more accessible and harder to forget than traditional auto-injectors.

“This deal represents both a capstone and a beginning,” said Javier Evelyn, Founder and CEO of Alerje. “Sempresto is the right team to bring this device across the finish line, with a now dominant global IP position and deep commercialization expertise. Meanwhile, Alerje is entering an exciting new phase, doubling down on the software, diagnostics, and AI that will power food allergy care at scale.”

Sempresto said the acquisition strengthens its position in the emerging market for cellphone-mounted drug delivery systems, while enabling Alerje to shift its emphasis toward AI-driven tools for monitoring and managing food allergies. Both companies said the agreement underscores their shared commitment to improving care for people at risk of anaphylaxis.

Advances in smartphone-based medical technologies

Smartphones continue to evolve as pivotal tools in modern health care, extending well beyond wellness tracking and communication. In recent years, the integration of medical diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, and emergency interventions into mobile devices has accelerated as sensors, processing power, and connectivity have improved.

One major trend is the rise of smartphone-enabled diagnostics. Cameras and light sensors can now assist in analyzing skin lesions, measuring blood oxygen levels, or supporting remote eye exams using specialized attachments. Meanwhile, apps using machine learning can interpret respiratory sounds, analyze cough patterns, or perform basic cardiovascular assessments. These tools are increasingly studied for use in home settings and underserved communities, where access to clinicians may be limited.

Drug delivery is another rapidly advancing area. Beyond platforms like the one acquired by Sempresto, research groups are developing mobile-connected inhalers that log usage and symptoms, insulin pens that transmit dosing data, and wearable patches whose delivery mechanisms can be triggered or monitored via smartphone. These technologies aim to improve adherence, reduce emergency events, and give clinicians real-time insights into patient behavior.

Smartphones are also becoming central hubs for chronic disease management. Integrated ecosystems now connect glucose monitors, blood pressure cuffs, cardiac rhythm patches, and sleep trackers into unified platforms that feed clinicians richer longitudinal data. Combined with AI-driven analytics, these systems can flag early-warning signs of deterioration, prompting earlier interventions that may prevent hospitalizations.

Emergency preparedness is another growing focus. Some systems pair smartphones with sensors or auto-injectors for rapid response to conditions like anaphylaxis or opioid overdose. Location-sharing, automated alerts, and digital instructions can assist bystanders and first responders.

As smartphone-enabled medical technologies continue to mature, they promise to bring more personalized, data-rich, and accessible care to patients. The next wave of innovation is expected to focus on integrating these tools with electronic health records, expanding clinical validation, and ensuring that the technology remains equitable and easy to use across diverse patient populations.