Improving the efficacy of pressurized metered dose inhaler spacers

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Pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs) are devices used to deliver a specific amount of medication to the lungs but require perfect timing of activation and inhalation for the best efficacy. A spacer is a medical device which sits between pMDI canister and the oral cavity and allows longer drug suspension and more time for patients to slowly and deeply inhale the medication. The goal of this NSERC CRD proposal is to design the next generation of inhaler spacers to improve efficacy of drug delivery (less deposition on the spacers) and patients' convenience (extended inhalation time). The project will focus on the development of two innovative actuated pMDI spacers, the Vibrochamber and Turbochamber. First, an accurate finite element model of the drug delivery process in spacers will be developed and experimentally verified. This model will then be used for numerical simulations and optimization of the actuated spacers. Finally, prototypes of the spacers will be fabricated and tested in a standard experimental setup.**This CRD project is in partnership with Pacificure Biomedical Inc., which has been active in the development and manufacturing of medical devices including pMDI spacers. Dr. Arzanpour from the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE) at Simon Fraser University (SFU) will lead the research team. A strong collaborative approach between SFU and Pacificure was established during an NSERC Engage project with outstanding outcomes. New knowledge relating to numerical simulation of particle flow will be generated. In addition to the economic benefits to the company and Canada, this project will help Canadians who suffer from respiratory diseases, including 2.5 million asthma patients and 1.8 million chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Improving the efficacy of drug delivery in spacers will help patients to use the drug more effectively and prevents side effects cause by deposition of the drug in oral cavity. Moreover, this project is planned to train three HQP including one PhD and two co-op students in a variety of disciplines and skills which are highly marketable for academic positions as well as a wide range of industries.**********************