Nano based formulations which encapsulate drugs, nano-encapsulations (NE), can be used to provide economical and effective delivery of existing and novel drugs. When administered via the pulmonary route they can enhance therapeutic outcomes whilst reducing adverse side effects. They can be used for local or systemic delivery, broadening the types of conditions that can be treated by inhalation.
It is believed that atomising NEs developed as a simple colloidal suspension fluid rather than a dry powder format may offer clinical advantages. However, existing devices have a number of limitations with respect to delivery of these systems. This paper will highlight the aspects of current nebuliser devices that negatively impact NE viability and delivery efficiency. These drawbacks are being addressed in our ongoing work to develop a novel nebuliser. In addition, new data is presented surveying nebulisers in current clinical use based on anonymised adverse incident reports obtained from the UK’s Medicines & Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Plotting the findings in a priority matrix revealed that Increased NE reservoir concentration and device reliability are the most important variables, whereas issues such as ease of use and user error were the least important issues to the delivery and viability of NE.
It is concluded that NE integration for pulmonary administration needs device improvements to uphold the economic characteristics of NE.