Kurve tech ahead by a nose

The device, dubbed the ViaNase, takes the form of a nasal nebuliser and a spray bottle, and makes use of an electronic atomiser to produce finely-controlled particle dispersions.

Preliminary clinical results indicate that Kurve's Controlled Particle Dispersion Technology applies formulations to the entire nasal mucosa - delivering drugs far deeper into the nasal cavity than traditional nasal drug delivery devices. Coverage of the nasal mucosa and depth of drug penetration are two important elements of effective and efficient liquid-based drug treatments.

Intranasal drug delivery is gaining popularity since the nasal mucosa has a high concentration of blood vessels and provides a quick entry of the drug into the bloodstream. Kurve's method shows high assurance for delivering drugs nasally with greater competency and efficiency than traditional spray bottles, inhalers and nebulisers and is claimed to be the only technology that can deliver chemical formulations via the nose to the paranasal sinuses.

Delivery using the ViaNase is odourless, tasteless and painless with low side effects, and the device is easy to carry since it is light weighted and battery operated, according to Alpita Shah, a research analyst at Frost & Sullivan.

Because the unit uses a cartridge and unit dose ampoules, it is less costly, she said, It is cheaper for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture cartridges than traditional nasal spray bottles, and this makes it cheaper for the patient to refill their nasal sprays.

The ViaNase is expected to be available in the marketplace next year.