Advanced Particle Engineering for Respiratory Drug Delivery Applications

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This proposal addresses technology development in the area of pressurized metered dose inhalers for respiratory drug delivery. The state of the art in this field is highly developed, but connected to traditional propellants which contribute to global warming because they are very effective greenhouse gases. In response, the industry partner is preparing for a switch to alternative, less harmful propellants. The proposed work will contribute to the selection of an appropriate substitute propellant and will provide the theoretical basis for predictions of product performance in the alternate format. Furthermore, the impact of this switch on the stability of suspension based metered dose inhalers will be studied both theoretically and experimentally. Lastly, new microparticle types that are compatible with the new propellants and can be used for the formulation of biologics will be designed.The work will employ an engineering approach based on mechanistic understanding of particle propellant interactions and particle formation mechanisms. Effects that cannot currently be modeled theoretically will be studies in idealized experimental surrogate systems. The industry partner will then incorporate the results directly into ongoing development projects.It is expected that this work will lead to a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases during production and use of such products. Furthermore, it is expected that the range of applicability of the suspension based metered dose inhaler platform can be extended to biologics, which have shown great potential in the treatment of a variety of respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Hence, this project will likely lead to substantial improvements in environmental protection globally and in more efficacious therapeutics for conditions that place a large burden on the Canadian health care system.