the MicroDose Dry Powder
Inhaler and Nebulizer
A game-changing technology shift in dry powder inhalation
Through the innovative use of off-the-shelf, state-of-the-art electronics, MicroDose has created the premier next-generation Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) and the first ever Dry Powder Nebulizer (DPN) for respiratory delivery of drug powders. Utilizing a high frequency piezo transducer and other electromechanical elements, the MicroDose inhaler and Nebulizer achieve: superior dose delivery efficiency that is flow rate, orientation, and coordination independent. And it achieves all this in a battery operated, handheld, low-cost, reusable, multi-unit dose, device.
What Makes the MicroDose Inhalation Systems Unique?
- Highly efficient piezo driven action
- Flow rate and orientation independent delivery
- Coordination independent breath activation
- Simple three step operation
- Formulation and design flexibility
- Delivery to all patient populations from infant to elderly
- Moisture and light protective blister system
- Electronic dose feedbacks and dose delivery confirmation
- Real time compliance tracking and monitoring features
- Broad applicability for both small and large molecules
How Do the MicroDose DPI and DPN Work?
The drug powder is contained in a closed blister, which protects it from the environment until delivery. Upon actuation the blister is opened and placed in contact with a piezo vibrator. When the patient inhales an airflow sensor automatically turns on the piezo which deaggregates the powder particles and aerosolizes them into the user’s inhalation airstream. The electronic flow sensor assures proper inspiratory airflow before activating the piezo eliminating the need for coordinated activities. The piezo vibrator generates the energy needed to efficiently deaggregate and deliver the dose, eliminating the need for high inspiratory flow rates to assure good dose delivery. Dose delivery is achieved in a single, slow, and smooth inhalation in the DPI, and over multiple tidal inhalations with the DPN. The DPN can deliver in seconds what would take several minutes with conventional liquid nebulizers.
What Can the MicroDose DPI and DPN Deliver?
The MicroDose DPI is extremely flexible, with the ability to adjust to different drugs and formulations through simple adjustment of the piezo drive circuitry. It has successfully delivered over 30 compounds, both small and large molecules, including insulin, other proteins and peptides, short acting and long acting beta agonists, cortico-steroids, anticholinergics etc. The technology is also formulation flexible, able to handle an extremely broad variety of formulation approaches, including neat micronized or neat spray-dried formulations as well as lactose blends of all description and co-spray dried blends. This ability gives our pharmaceutical partners unmatched flexibility during development of their new chemical entities.
The MicroDose inhaler provides a platform technology that is low cost, reusable and environmentally friendly, which can support a broad pipeline of products across all patient populations.
For more information on MicroDose’s Dry Powder Inhaler please see the links below: