Delivery options and devices for aerosolized therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Drug Delivery
• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Inhalation is a long-established yet evolving drug delivery route.
• Chlorofluorocarbon propellants in metered-dose inhalers were phased out, necessitating new propellant systems.
• Pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) have limitations related to patient coordination and breathing technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in inhalation drug delivery systems.
• To compare the efficacy and drug deposition of different inhaler types.
• To highlight the importance of patient factors and education in optimizing inhaled therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of current and emerging inhalation technologies, including pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), dry-powder inhalers (DPIs), and metered-dose liquid inhalers.
• Analysis of drug deposition data in the lungs for various device types.
• Consideration of factors influencing device selection and therapeutic success.

Main Results:

• New hydrofluoroalkane propellants have replaced chlorofluorocarbons, sometimes enabling lower drug doses with reduced toxicity.
• Dry-powder inhalers (DPIs) demonstrate comparable or superior lung deposition (15-40%) versus pMDIs for various therapeutics.
• Emerging metered-dose liquid inhalers show promising lung deposition rates (30-80%).

Conclusions:

• Inhaler technology has advanced significantly, offering improved therapeutic options for respiratory diseases.
• Dry-powder inhalers and metered-dose liquid inhalers present viable alternatives to pMDIs with enhanced lung delivery.
• Optimal selection and patient education are crucial for maximizing the benefits of inhaled therapeutics.