CIMIT Summer Series 2009: Frontiers of Inhalation Technologies in Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Medicine
Week One: INHALATION TECHNOLOGY FUNDAMENTALS
Moderator: Jose Venegas, PHD, Associate Professor of Anesthesia (Bioengineering), Harvard Medical School; Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care
Systemic Delivery of Proteins via the Lungs: Setbacks and Advances
Joseph Brain, SD, Cecil K. and Philip Drinker Professor of Environmental Physiology, Harvard School of Public Health
A variety of formulations and technologies have been developed focusing on the delivery of proteins to and through the lungs. Billions of dollars have been invested, and hundreds, perhaps thousands, of patents relate to this topic. The anatomy and physiology of the lungs seem well suited for transport of proteins from alveolar and airway surfaces to the blood. Bioavailability following pulmonary delivery of proteins such as insulin is far more favorable than for oral or dermal delivery. Yet, challenges remain. Less than 2 years after Pfizer's inhaled insulin was approved by the FDA and the EU, the program was cancelled. This talk will review these past efforts and highlight new possibilities.
Design Factors Influencing Aerosol Delivery by Pharmaceutical Inhalers
Anthony J. Hickey, PhD, DSc, Professor of Molecular Pharmaceutics of the School of Pharmacy, and Biomedical Engineering of the School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Inhalers consist of three major components: drug formulation, dose metering system and aerosol dispersion mechanism. The design and integration of these components in each of the major aerosol delivery systems: propellant driven metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers and; nebulizers, defines their performance and ultimately their efficacy and reliability in treating specific diseases. Reviewing the performance advantages and limitations of components and devices offers insight into their therapeutic application.
CIMIT blog is part of the Center for Integration of Medicine and Innovative Technology (CIMIT.org)
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