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

优化给药是改善呼吸系统疾病治疗和整体改善疾病管理的关键。计量吸入器（MDI）和干粉吸入器（DPI）是呼吸系统药物输送市场的主要设备。虽然它们的便携性很有吸引力，但它们在给药方面存在不足，研究表明，只有10-20%的放射剂量沉积在肺部。传统吸入器对气候变化的环境影响不容忽视。英国20%的人口都在使用mdi，它使用的推进剂对环境有害，约占英国常规处方碳足迹的25%。为了提高成本效益，降低副作用风险，提高患者的生活质量，迫切需要开发一种无污染、有效的给药装置。uMIST技术有限公司正专注于这一领域，旨在开发一种药物输送设备，使英国的呼吸护理更有效、更安全、更环保。该项目专注于开发一种革命性的喷涂技术，命名为uMIST喷涂平台。这项环保技术的灵感来自大自然，模仿了庞巴迪甲虫的自然防御机制，并利用电子控制采用独特的闪沸形式，以提供高度可控的喷雾。初步研究表明，与标准吸入器相比，该平台可以向肺部输送更高水平的药物，产生的细颗粒分数高出4倍。进一步的研究已经证明了调节液滴大小的能力，从而控制药物在呼吸道中的输送位置。这就提供了一个根据病人的需要来调整给药的机会。该项目将进一步开发用于呼吸道药物输送的平台。将进行药物稳定性试验，以确保喷雾机制不影响活性成分的结构完整性。我们还将探讨使用喷雾平台给药的有效性和相容性。该公司还将寻求监管事务顾问的支持，以制定合适的上市路线。最近的进展导致了与设备制造和制药公司的商业合作。虽然很有希望，但一般的反馈表明，公司需要更多的证据来充分评估技术的可行性，并考虑商业化的途径。这个项目将产生重要的证据来支持技术开发，并在我们走向商业成功的道路上加速进一步的创新。

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.