New Particle Tech May Let Formulators Cut Out Costly Lactose says Pulmatrix
The new platform – iSperse – was developed by US biotech firm Pulmatrix as was of producing active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) particles that are small and dense while being highly dispersible and relatively flow rate independent.
A company spokeswoman told in-Pharmatechnologist.com the approach is an alternative to “conventional dry powder (DP) technologies that rely on the use of lactose blending or low-density particles to facilitate dispersibility.”
“The low energy required for dispersion coupled with the capacity for high drug loading, as well as the potential for inclusion of multiple drugs in compositions, facilitates the delivery of low potency or large molecule drugs.”
Particles produced using the iSperse platform can be delivered using commercially available passive dry powder inhalers in either capsule or blister-based formats. Another advantage – according to Pulmatrix – is that formulations can be produced more cheaply.
“iSperse powders can contain as little as 20% or less of salts and other excipients as compared to lactose blend dry powders that typically consist of 80-90% lactose, there are expected to be marginally lower manufacturing costs.”
Partnering
Pulmatrix plans to use the platform to develop its own products, the first of which is a candidate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment codenamed PUR0200 that entered early clinical development earlier this month.
The firm is also interested in teaming up with dry powder inhaler developers and other interested pharmaceutical parties that are interested in accessing the iSperse technology according to the spokeswoman.
“Pulmatrix is pursuing both proprietary and partnered applications for iSPERSE. The Company has not made any public announcements about the specifics of its partnering activities.”
