3M estimates that the market for Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) and Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) products is worth approximately $40bn with around $6.5bn available for Contract Development and Manufacturing. This market is to primarily treat Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
A study was conducted to understand the real needs of each of the key stakeholders of inhalation devices to determine whether continued evolution or a step change revolution is required to satisfy the changing requirements for inhalation drug delivery.
A range of methods were used to capture the voice of stakeholder groups. An initial multi-disciplinary workshop was conducted to capture an inside-out view of the issues. This was followed by a series of independently facilitated telephone interviews with a small group of key opinion leaders across the industry to gain an outside-in view. These initial studies helped us to structure further stakeholder sessions. A series of interviews were then conducted face to face and thorough web based questionnaires with patients; face to face with Healthcare Professionals; and through the telephone with Payers.
The results highlighted four trending areas within inhalation, two hygiene factors that must be considered and two added value areas that will help to differentiate the next generation product. These factors are: Low cost; Patient Centric; Electronic Integration; Green Medicine.
This study shows that there are unmet needs within the inhalation device market. There is space for improvements through a patient-centric device, incorporating integrated electronics that can capture real world patient outcomes data.