Therapeutic Opportunities For Dry Powder Inhalation Accelerating - Greystone Associates Analyzes Technology And Therapeutic Factors

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 17 Dec 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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The convergence of socioeconomic and technology factors - the growing emphasis on drug self-administration for chronic conditions, the expected acceleration in protein- and peptide-based therapeutics, the availability of innovative inhaler device designs - is driving interest in pulmonary drug delivery technology and devices as an alternative to oral and parenteral routes of administration.

A number of therapeutic drug classes are currently under investigation as candidates for delivery via inhalation devices. These drug classes encompass a broad range of conditions and ailments, including osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, and blood disorders.

The rising potential of dry powder inhalation is being driven by escalating research activity in powder formulations, advances in particle engineering, and the development of novel device architectures. The combination of improved particle properties and more efficient inhaler designs is creating new opportunities for dry powder inhalation and expanding the range of active compounds that can be effectively delivered via the lung.

Much of the interest for the pulmonary delivery of systemic drug therapies is focused on so-called large molecule drugs, such as polypeptides and proteins. Small molecule APIs can typically be administered orally, and the opportunity they represent for inhalation is thus less attractive. While small molecule drugs are most often synthesized, large molecule drugs most often originate from biological substances that have undergone harvesting and purification.

For inhalation device suppliers and their drug partners, understanding the concerns, preferences, and limitations of consumers to self-medicate via inhalation will be the driving force for future-generation inhaler designs and spell the difference between successful ventures in this market and entities that will fail to prosper in spite of highly favorable market dynamics.

These findings are contained in a new and comprehensive report: Dry Powder Inhalation: Drugs, Devices, And Delivery Therapeutics. The report includes comprehensive assessments of dry powder inhalation technology, profiles of dry powder inhalation market participants, industry data and forecasts, and detailed analysis of design and economic factors.

About Greystone

Greystone Associates is a medical and healthcare technology consulting firm providing services in strategic planning, venture development, product commercialization, and technology and market assessment.

http://www.greystoneassociates.org