Strategy

Emitted dose, fine particle mass and the aerodynamic particle size distribution from an inhaler, is largely determined by the inhalation manoeuvre performed by the patient.
Inhalation profile parameters such as initial acceleration at the beginning of inhalation (ACC), peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and the total inhaled volume [IV]) are known to affect the delivered dose, fine particle mass and regional deposition from a DPI.

PIF achieved by patients through a device is related to clinical efficacy and regional deposition of the active in the airways. In addition to the PIF, the ACC and IV are known to effect the quality of the emitted dose.

Development

Currently in-check dials are employed to train patient’s and healthy volunteers in clinic. This system provides no feedback or information regarding inhaled volume and time taken to reach PIF. Nanopharm’s Inhalation Flow Profile device (NIP) enables the real-time measurement of PIF, inhaled volume and time taken to reach maximum flow rate. These data can be employed to with breath simulators and to monitor patient’s and healthy volunteers.

Delivery

With the state of art real time feedback, the NIP has been employed in clinical studies to train patient’s and to generate data during clinicals to control variability of inhalation profiles with respect to a range of devices. These include soft-mist, metered dose inhalers and dry powder inhalers.