Malvern and Melbourn unite for inhaler design

Melbourn Scientific, of Cambridge, UK and Malvern Instruments are combining their expertise in an innovative research project that will increase the understanding of inhaler operation.

Melbourn will use the Malvern Spraytec laser diffraction particle size analyser to make measurements of inhaler sprays produced using The Technology Partnership's (TTP's) 'electronic lung', a system developed to simulate patient-like breathing profiles. Of critical importance in this work is the Spraytec's ability to make rapid measurements that are independent of flow rate changes.

Melbourn will be investigating how the unique features of Malvern's Spraytec analyser can be applied to this new technology to provide a screening tool for early stage device development.

Mark Hammond, business development director at Melbourn Scientific, said: 'Evidence suggests that the FDA and others are investigating the implications of flow rate on drug delivery. The size distribution of particles discharged from the inhaler is an important factor in determining the amount of active substance and its penetration within the respiratory tract.'