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Reimagining carrier-based formulations for inhalation: Respirable agglomerates.
Jeffry G Weers1, Thomas E Tarara2, Danforth P Miller2
1Independent Consultant, Bainbridge Island, WA, United States.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|April 20, 2026
Summary
New nanostructured carrier particles improve lung delivery of drugs by forming respirable agglomerates. This approach enhances dose consistency and reduces flow rate dependency for inhaled medications.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Traditional carrier-based formulations use coarse lactose particles, leading to suboptimal lung delivery.
- Fine drug particles exhibit strong cohesive forces, complicating formulation.
- Conventional carriers cause issues like oropharyngeal filtering and flow rate dependency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore nanostructured carrier particles as an alternative to coarse carriers.
- To improve lung targeting, dose consistency, and reduce flow rate sensitivity.
- To enable stable suspensions for metered dose inhalers.
Main Methods:
- Development of carrier-based formulations using micronized or nanosized drug particles and nanostructured carriers.
- Characterization of respirable agglomerate formation.
- Assessment of lung delivery efficiency and dose consistency.
Main Results:
- Nanostructured carriers form respirable agglomerates with drug particles.
- These agglomerates significantly improve lung targeting and dose consistency.
- Reduced sensitivity to inhalation flow rate was observed.
Conclusions:
- Nanostructured carrier particles offer a superior alternative to conventional coarse carriers.
- Respirable agglomerates enhance inhaled drug delivery performance.
- This approach holds promise for improved metered dose inhaler formulations.
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