Innovations in Pulmonary Care: DPI and NPLI Lead the Way

The Power of Pulmonary:

Advances in inhaled drug delivery expands respiratory treatment options for drugmakers

This article discusses the significance of inhalation technologies like Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) and Non-Propellant Liquid Inhalers (NPLIs), and their potential impact on the respiratory care market.

The Evolution of Inhalation Drug Delivery

Historically, inhaled drug delivery has been dominated by pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs), as they are effective at delivering low doses of medication to the lungs for the treatment of conditions such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). While pMDIs remain a reliable option, limitations such as low drug loading capacity and the need for carbon generating propellants, have prompted the creation of more advanced inhalation systems.

Next-generation inhalation technologies overcome many of the challenges associated with traditional inhalers while still providing precise, reliable dosing. Eliminating carbon producing propellants entirely from the designs and expanding drug dosing capabilities, DPIs and NPLIs represent new platforms for delivering a broader range molecules in higher doses directly to the lungs.

Advantages of Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)

Unlike pMDIs, DPIs deliver medication in a dry powder form, and do not require the inclusion of any propellants that generate unwanted carbon emissions. Dry powder inhalers can enhance the stability of drug formulations, making them ideal for those sensitive to moisture or requiring extended shelf life in a portable and lightweight format. Their high drug dosing capabilities expand their applicability to deliver cystic fibrosis, antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic, and antihypertensive inhaled drugs.

These advanced DPIs can provide consistent drug dosing, even in patients with different levels of lung function. For drugmakers, this opens the door to new inhaled drug delivery applications administering novel therapies that require targeted lung delivery, enhanced bioavailability with reduced systemic side effects. Aptar Pharma has introduced the Quattri DPI, offering high dose drug loading and targeted inhaled delivery via its innovative tunable vortex feature that can administer up to 100mg of powder formulation. The Company’s Orbital® DPI provides the progressive delivery of high payloads of powder drug formulations through its unique de-agglomeration chamber used to deliver up to 400 mg of powder formulation. The article describes the technology behind the many advantages of these specialized dry powder inhalers.

Benefits of Non-Propellant Liquid Inhalers (NPLIs)

Non-Propellant Liquid Inhalers (NPLIs) generate a fine mist of liquid product formulation without the use of any propellants. The fine mist promotes targeted deep lung penetration, maximizing drug absorption and delivering rapid symptom relief.  The user-friendly design of NPLIs can help to enhance patient compliance. Additionally, many modern NPLIs can now incorporate digital health features, such as dose counters and wireless connectivity, enabling real-time monitoring of drug usage and inhalation techniques. The recent collaboration between PULMOTREE and Aptar Pharma resulted in the launch of the soft mist Kolibri Digital Non-Propellant Liquid Inhaler with its haptic feedback and digital tracking features.

Impact on Respiratory Treatments and Patient Care

The advancements in DPIs and NPLIs are reshaping respiratory care by expanding the range of treatable conditions by inhalation. These technologies can deliver higher doses with precision, as well as potentially reduce the frequency of drug administration for a more convenient patient experience. The ease of use of these portable inhaled drug delivery systems means that self-administration is now simpler, allowing more patients to manage their individual conditions independently.

DPIs and NPLIs can extend the life of mature products through drug reformulations and contribute to greater demand for new molecules as inhaled drug product.  With the right drug delivery system and support services, pharmaceutical developers can accelerate time-to-market.

The Future of Inhalation Drug Delivery

Ongoing inhalation research is focused on optimizing device designs, enhancing formulation science, and the development of more efficient and effective inhaled drug products with an eye on sustainability.  Advancements in the latest Dry Powder Inhaler and Non-Propellant Liquid Inhaler options, are revolutionizing respiratory treatments. With greater dose loading capacity, targeted lung delivery, and flexibility around target molecules and indications, inhaled drug delivery technologies can help to improve the patient experience while minimizing environmental impact. The future of inhaled drug delivery is bright with Aptar Pharma’s range of new DPI and NPLI technologies leading the way to improved patient respiratory health.