Vendor News

3M introduces new dry powder inhalers

3M drug delivery system introduced the 3M Taper dry powder inhaler and the 3M Conix dry powder inhaler, new technologies that expand its inhalation platform. The 3M Taper DPI was introduced with a workshop at the Respiratory Drug Delivery conference in Lisbon, Portugal, highlighting its unique design, which stores active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) on a micro-structured carrier tape, enabling it to provide up to 120 pre-metered doses.

"At 3M, innovation is the foundation upon which all our products and solutions are developed. We constantly strive to provide patients with superior quality and easy to use products that result in the highest quality of health," said Gautam Khanna, Vice President, Healthcare Division, 3M India.

The Taper DPI uses 3M micro-replication and extrusion technology to create a 'dimpled' tape upon which one or more APIs are coated. This unique dimple design allows the use of API only, virtually eliminating the need for lactose or complex powder formulations. The device works via a simple mechanical process upon opening the mouthpiece, a dose is ready for use. The air flow of the patient's inhalation releases an impactor that strikes the tape and releases API into the air stream. API particles are further deagglomerated as they pass through the device, helping to ensure effective delivery.

"Companies turn to 3M for its quality portfolio of drug delivery options - especially when it comes to inhalation systems," said Jim Vaughan, Division Vice President, 3M Drug Delivery Systems. "We are the leader in MDI delivery systems and now we're advancing full-steam into DPI drug delivery with several significant offerings."

A number of features help make the device patient-friendly and accurate, a ready indicator provides a visual cue to patients that the device is ready to use. An audible click sounds when the dose has been delivered, and a dose counter displays the number of doses remaining. Its breath actuated delivery helps ensure effectiveness, and the device works in easy three-step process patients simply open the inhaler, inhale and close. With an API dose range of up to one milligram and protection against moisture ingress, the Taper DPI brings important new functionalities to DPI systems.

In addition to the Taper DPI, the Conix DPI further expands the 3M inhalation portfolio. The Conix DPI uses an innovative reverse-flow cyclone design to offer effective drug delivery and simple operation. The inhaler's design allows formulation flexibility and protection from moisture ingress, and is engineered to increase the effectiveness of energy transfer from the patient's inhalation to the drug formulation. Available in single unit disposable and reloadable dose designs as well as multi-unit dose designs, the Conix DPI is suitable for a variety of applications, including mass immunisations and vaccinations, and treatment of asthma, COPD and hay fever.