Conventional nasal devices delivery drugs as aqueous sprays which, according to 3M, enable the medication in question to run back down the nose, known as “run-off” and drip into the mouth causing irritation.
In contrast, 3M’s evaporating spray formulation technology eliminates run-off, prevents irritation to the throat and provides patients with greater confidence that a drug has been effectively delivered.
The US delivery technology specialist also claimed, aside from patient compliance and product shelf-life, the evaporating spray approach has advantages for manufacturers.
“The system does not require an aseptic manufacturing environment, and is compatible with existing valves and the 3M integrated dose by dose counter, contributing to its cost-effectiveness.”
And, while eliminating the need for aseptic manufacture is likely to be attractive to pharmaceutical firms seeking to contract manufacturing costs, 3M also believes the inhaler offers other benefits.
3M suggested that the evaporating spray approach provides "partners important life cycle management options for molecules coming off patent, as well as new molecules targeting nasal allergies."