The development of a sustainable and personalised respiratory drug delivery system using the uMIST spray platform

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Optimizing drug delivery is key to improve the treatment of respiratory diseases and overall improve disease management. The metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and the dry powder inhaler (DPI) are mainstay devices in the respiratory drug delivery market. Whilst their portability is attractive, they fall short in drug delivery with studies showing that only 10-20% of the emitted dose is deposited in the lung. The environmental impact of conventional inhalers on climate change must not be overlooked. MDIs, used by 20% of the UK population, use environmentally damaging propellants that contribute to approximately 25% of the General Practice prescribing carbon footprint in the UK. There is an urgent demand for a non-polluting and effective drug delivery device to be developed to improve cost-efficiency, reduce the risk of side effects, and improve patient quality of life.uMIST Technologies Ltd. are focusing on this space and aim to develop a drug delivery device that can make respiratory care in the UK more effective, safe, and eco-friendly. This project focuses on the development of a revolutionary spray technology, named the uMIST spray platform. The environmentally-friendly technology, inspired by nature, mimics the Bombardier Beetles natural defense mechanism, and uses electrical control to employ a unique form of flash boiling, to deliver a highly controllable spray.Initial studies have shown that the platform can deliver significantly higher drug levels to the lung, generating 4x higher fine particle fractions compared to standard inhalers. Further research has demonstrated the ability to adjust droplet size and therefore control the location of drug delivery in the respiratory tract. This presents an opportunity to tailor drug delivery depending on the needs of the patient. This project will enable further development of the platform for use in respiratory drug delivery. Drug stability testing will be conducted to ensure that the spray mechanism does not affect the structural integrity of the active ingredient. The efficacy and compatibility of delivering antibiotics using the spray platform will also be explored. The company will also seek support from regulatory affairs consultants to map out the appropriate route to market.Recent progress has led to commercial engagement with device manufacturing and pharma companies. Whilst promising, general feedback has indicated that companies require more evidence to fully assess the viability of technology and to consider routes for commercialisation. This project would generate significant evidence to support technology development and accelerate further innovation on our path to commercial success.