Unlike traditional inhalers, the new device– named the Twister – opens the capsule, instead of piercing it, which the firm says reduces the risk of contamination caused by puncturing the plastic of the container.
Adam Shain, associate director of business development for the prescription division, told in-PharmaTechnologist : “The patient is not at risk of inhaling the plastic pieces that are typically generated during the piercing process.”
He added the Twister’s transparent chamber improves patient compliance, saying: “The see through material makes it very easy to confirm that one there is powder in the DPI and that after inhaling, the patient has received their full dose.
“There are many ways to misuse the current capsule based DPI’s on the market, especially when it comes to piercing systems. Twister’s simplicity makes it very difficult for the patient to misuse.”
Shain also said the fact the device is completely made out of plastic, rather than having to include a metal needle to pierce the capsule, means production is cheaper and more eco-friendly.
The Twister can be used with all inhaled dry powders.
Emerging needs
Aptar says the device is a response to what it believes will be a growing industry trend for DPI inhalers, especially in emerging markets.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the firm said: “In Asia and Latin America, asthma has been treated predominantly with pMDIs (pressured metered dose inhalers) which are considered to be a more cost-effective device proposition than DPIs.”
However, with the growing popularity of DPI technology in developed regions, and healthcare “reform” in developing markets prompting researchers to play catch-up, the company anticipates growth for the tech.
Shain told us: “There has been a trend in the regulated markets to develop new molecules in only DPI.
“With this trend, the fast growing regions will also have to follow. The major growth for DPI’s will be in Asia where DPI’s are not widely used at this point.”