• The FRI deposition profiles highlight that the MDI/AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* VHC delivered a significantly greater percentage of drug to the lung region than either of the two DPIs, irrespective of flow rate.
• This was reflected in much higher modelled oropharyngeal deposition for the two DPIs.
• The influence of inhalation flow profile was significant for one of the DPIs.

As current MDIs contain hydrofluorocarbon propellants, it would be beneficial to find ways to reduce carbon emissions without compromising patient safety.

This lab study investigated a way to optimize the modelled lung dose per actuation while at the same time minimizing the carbon emissions from the MDI

Depending on the pMDI/spacer system chosen the delivery of medication can vary significantly and as a result will have implications on the potential carbon footprint.

In this case, the use of the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* VHC could potentially reduce the carbon footprint by three fold compared to the alternative spacers.

By maximizing the amount of each puff reaching the lungs the patient is likely to be able to get relief sooner and reduce the amount of puffs needed.

The FRI deposition profiles highlighted significant differences between the VHCs on test, with intrathoracic delivery for the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* VHC system being almost double that of the other two VHC systems and being similar to the MDI alone with perfect coordination

RDD 2020 - E-Poster Presentation

COPD is a chronic and progressive disease that requires regular self-administration of inhaled medications. However, as the disease progresses, reduced respiratory muscle strength may prevent patients from generating sufficient inspiratory effort to effectively use dry-powder inhalers (DPIs) [1, 2]. In contrast, patients can inhale slowly or breathe tidally from a pMDI with VHC without the need to coordinate with inhaler actuation [3].

Depending on the pMDI/spacer system chosen the delivery of medication can vary significantly and as a result will have implications on the potential carbon footprint.

In this case, the use of the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* VHC could potentially reduce the carbon footprint by three fold compared to the alternative spacers.

By maximizing the amount of each puff reaching the lungs the patient is likely to be able to get relief sooner and reduce the amount of puffs needed.

The AeroChamber2go* Spacer has been honored with a GOOD DESIGN® Award, the world’s oldest and most prestigious design program. The unique 2-in-1 spacer and protective inhaler case has been recognized for its innovative design, which benefits patients, the healthcare system, and the environment.  

Lab study evaluating medication delivery MDI alone vs new portable spacer  

RESULT: Portable spacer provides optimum delivery without need for inhalation coordination.

Summary:

Presented at DDL 2017 in Edinburgh

• Valved holding chambers are widely prescribed to assist patients receiving inhaled medications by avoiding losses caused by imperfect coordination of inhalation and actuation and also to reduce oropharyngeal deposition.
• Regardless of whether using a solution based formulation (like Qvar) or a suspension formulation (Flovent), the use of a valved holding chamber reduced the amount of medication deposited in the mouth (oropharynx) and increased the potential for lung delivery
• This study can be used to help demonstrate the value of using a valved holding chamber for both solution and suspension formulated metered dose inhalers and for all patient populations, including adults

Conclusion

• The delivery of medication from the AEROECLIPSE* II BAN* to the lungs was not affected by the incorporation of the Aerobika* OPEP device. Aerosol deposition within the lung was unaltered by the addition of the OPEP device as evidenced by the near identical percentage of the dose being deposited in both the peripheral and central airways.
• BAN+OPEP therapy could offer the clinician the opportunity for combined treatment thereby reducing the time needed for the patient to take both nebulizer and OPEP treatments separately.

Conclusion

• The FRI deposition profiles highlight that the MDI/AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* VHC delivered a significantly greater percentage of drug to the lung region than either of the two DPIs, irrespective of flow rate.
• This was reflected in much higher modelled oropharyngeal deposition for the two DPIs.
• The influence of inhalation flow profile was significant for one of the DPIs.

Asthma control and global warming are important issues that have significant impacts on human health and the environment.

It is critical however to ensure that maintaining or improving the patient’s asthma control goes hand in hand with environmental actions.

This lab study investigated how to optimize the modelled lung delivery while at the same time minimizing the carbon emissions from the MDI.

This study was presented at the Drug Delivery to the Lungs, 2022.

More consistent dose delivery was achieved with the breath actuated technology rather than breath enhanced.
Delivering medication only when the patient inhales would result in more stable therapy if I:E ratio was to change with disease< progression or if the patient took breaks to talk during treatment.

This study was presented at the Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference, 2022.

PRESENTED AT VIRTUAL ATS 2020

• Evaluations of inhaler use have demonstrated that mishandling of MDIs is commonplace.
• One of the most common errors is the failure to coordinate inhalation with actuation of the inhaler
• One of the reasons why VHCs are often prescribed, is to reduce the severity of this error
• This Functional Respiratory Imaging (FRI) based study assessed the likely severity of a short inhalation delay (from actuation) with an MDI alone and how it contrasted to the use with a VHC

Short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA) monotherapy is typically required to provide as needed short term relief of bronchoconstriction. The salbutamol EasyHaler† DPI has recently become available in the UK as an alternative to delivery by pressurized metered-dose inhaler. Our study evaluated delivery from this DPI at different inhalation flow rates.

More consistent dose delivery was achieved with the breath actuated technology rather than breath enhanced. Delivering medication only when the patient inhales would result in more stable therapy if I:E ratio was to change with disease< progression or if the patient took breaks to talk during treatment.