NanoCluster budesonide formulations enable efficient drug delivery driven by mechanical ventilation

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Traditional budesonide formulations face challenges in efficient delivery through mechanical ventilation circuits.
• Nanoparticle agglomerates (NanoClusters) were developed to improve aerosol deposition in respiratory pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficiency of NanoCluster budesonide (NC-Bud) aerosol delivery via endotracheal tubes using different devices and ventilation parameters.
• To compare NC-Bud performance against micronized budesonide for ventilator-assisted drug administration.

Main Methods:

• NC-Bud and micronized budesonide were aerosolized using a Monodose inhaler or a novel device.
• Aerosol delivery was assessed through commercial endotracheal tubes under controlled ventilator settings (flow rate, volume, patterns).
• Cascade impaction was used to determine the percent emitted fraction (%EF) of budesonide.

Main Results:

• NC-Bud demonstrated significantly higher %EF compared to micronized budesonide.
• Inspiration patterns, volumes, and flow rates did not substantially impact NC-Bud performance in a 5.0 mm endotracheal tube.
• %EF of NC-Bud was higher at 51% relative humidity than at 82% RH.
• The novel device and Monodose inhaler exhibited similar drug delivery efficiency, but the novel device offered direct ventilator integration.

Conclusions:

• NanoCluster budesonide technology provides efficient and convenient aerosol drug delivery through endotracheal tubes.
• The novel delivery device integrated with NC-Bud is suitable for mechanical ventilation, enhancing therapeutic potential.
• This approach simplifies drug administration in critical care settings, potentially improving patient outcomes.