Inhalation device for drugs in powder form

Abstract

To provide an inhalation device which has improved use properties, particularly advanced moisture protection while in use, an inhalation device (1) for powder drugs is proposed comprising at least one storage chamber (13) for accommodating a plurality of drug powder doses and a dosing device which includes at least one dosing slider (15) which is movable approximately with a translatory movement in a dosing slider passage (16) at least from a filling position into an emptying position, wherein the inhalation device (1) further includes a device for inhalation-triggered automatic movement of the dosing slider (15) from its filling position into the emptying position and a return device for automatic movement of the dosing slider (15) back into the filling position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application entitled INHALATION DEVICE FOR DRUGS IN POWDER FORM, Ser. No. 12 / 520,252 filed Aug. 11, 2009, which is a U.S. National Stage application based on International Application No. PCT / EP2007 / 011372 filed Dec. 21, 2007 entitled INHALATION DEVICE FOR DRUGS IN POWDER FORM, which is based on German Application No. 102006062196.4 filed Dec. 22, 2006, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention concerns an inhalation device for drugs in powder form comprising at least one storage chamber for accommodating a plurality of drug powder doses and a dosing device which includes at least one dosing slider which is movable approximately with a translatory movement in a dosing slider passage at least from a filling position into an emptying position.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[000...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides an inhalation device that can keep a medicament powder protected from harmful moisture until it is ready to be inhaled. The device has a unique design that allows for multiple doses of medicament to be protected from moisture, resulting in better storage and dispensing of the medication. The device is also designed to prevent accidental overdosing or unintended under-dosing of the medicament. The device can be breath-triggered, so the medicament can be inhaled as the patient breathes in air. The inhaler includes a mouthpiece with an air passage and a trigger device to activate when a minimum airflow is reached. Overall, the invention provides a more efficient, economical, and reliable inhalation device for delivering medicament powder to the lungs.

Problems solved by technology

A serious problem in inhalation systems in which a plurality of doses of a medically effective substance is disposed in a common storage chamber is apportioning an individual close for an individual inhalation operation.

A further serious problem in the inhalation of drug powder is the breakdown of the galenic powder formulations into particles which can reach the lungs.

WO 00 / 74754 and many other publications over more than twenty years describe that a serious problem arises in regard to moisture, particularly with powder inhalers.

In that respect moisture can not only have a disadvantageous effect on the pharmaceutically active medicament composition but in particular can adversely affect the interplay of physical and chemical parameters of the combination of active substance and adjuvant substances.

As a result for example lumps can occur or breakdown of the inhaled powder into particles capable of reaching the lungs can be impeded.

All those circumstances can lead to problems in regard to dosability and the effectiveness of administration of a medicament powder.

Particularly with conventional aerosol inhalers, it was in many cases considered that actuation for dose delivery from the aerosol container and the fact of sucking in an airflow by the patient using it has to be co-ordinated, was a disadvantage.

That considerably reduces the reliability of application of the medicament into the lung.

It will be appreciated however that this arrangement also does not have any seal as that dosing flap is only intended to close a dosing passage and is not in communication with a storage container for powder drugs.

What is very troublesome for the user is the relatively hard and loud triggering impact upon activation of the dosing operation due to the quite high spring biasing and the comparatively large mass of the aerosol container, which is moved in the triggering operation.

Similarly to the above-described document, the display however does not afford any possible way of dose-accurately reading off the doses which are still present in the storage container.

Intervention of the blocking device can also not be predicted in accurate dosing relationship.

That arrangement is highly special and complicated and expensive but does not prevent the loss of a dose which has not yet been inhaled, without affording particular protection from moisture, Upon actuation by a patient without inhalation occurring, the apportioned drug dose can remain for any period of time outside the storage means and in that case is exposed to atmospheric influences.

None of the known documents however describes an arrangement which would make it possible for the drug supply including the dose pending for delivery to be protected from moisture and other detrimental influences independently of the operating behaviour of the patient as the user.

Images