Delivery of Submicrometer and Nanometer Aerosols to the Lungs using Hygroscopic Excipients or Dual Stream Nasal Delivery

Abstract

Pharmaceutically engineered aerosols (e.g. submicrometer and nano-particles and droplets) containing a hygroscopic growth excipient or agent are employed to improve the delivery of respiratory aerosols to the lung. Inclusion of the hygroscopic agent results in near zero depositional loss in the nose-mouth-throat regions and near 100% deposition of the aerosol in the lung. Targeting of the aerosol to specific lung depths is also possible. In addition, methods and apparatuses for delivering aerosols to the lung are provided. The aerosol is delivered to one nostril of a patient while a relatively high humidity gaseous carrier is delivered to the other nostril, resulting in post-nasopharyngeal growth of the aerosol to a size that promotes deposition in the lung.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention generally relates to improved lung deposition of aerosols. In particular, in one embodiment, the invention provides aerosol formulations which are pharmaceutically engineered and formulated to contain hygroscopic excipients, and in another embodiment or a variation of the first embodiments, provides methods, apparatuses and systems for improved delivery of aerosols to the lungs using dual stream nasal delivery.[0003]2. Background of the Invention[0004]Nanoparticle aerosol drug delivery presents an advantageous route of administration for both locally and systemically acting pharmaceuticals. Inhaled nanoparticles in the size range of 40-1000 nm are capable of efficiently penetrating the mouth-throat (MT), nasal, and tracheobronchial (TB) regions of the lungs. Indeed, this nanoparticle size is optimum for transport into the peripheral lung regions, including the alveoli. However, once in the deep lung region...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a method for creating small aerosol particles that can be inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. These particles contain excipients that can increase in size as they pass through the airways, allowing them to deposit in the lung and avoid being exhaled. This results in more consistent and targeted delivery of the medication, reducing the amount of medication wasted and improving its overall effectiveness. The method involves using hygroscopic excipients with specific properties to control the rate and extent of particle size growth.

Problems solved by technology

While prior art nanoparticles may exhibit some size increase upon exposure to the in viva relative humidity of the lungs (˜99.5%), the increase is insufficient to significantly increase lung retention.

Therefore, a significant fraction of prior art drug particles are exhaled, and the medication is wasted.

Images