A new generation dry powder inhaler, NEXT DPI, which aims to improve the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through greater user appeal and more efficient and consistent drug delivery, has successfully completed pharmacokinetic clinical studies and extensive user-group research.
Designed by Cambridge Consultants and Italian pharmaceutical company Chiesi Farmaceutici, the NEXT DPI consistently achieves 60% fine particle fraction and is currently being ramped up for manufacture. Both doctors and patients have reacted positively to the DPI's features, which include a reliable dose counter, a simple user interface and a discreet and robust, yet modern, style.
NEXT is a medium resistance, breath-activated device that holds up to 120 doses and is the first of a new generation of bulk reservoir DPIs. The device is intuitive to use and has excellent dose uniformity. The concept was selected according to criteria that were identified as desirable for an ideal device in market research: portable, robust, intuitive and provides feedback to let patients understand that the dose has been correctly taken, guaranteeing an accurate and consistent dose delivery.
"We started from scratch, creating new concepts for the NEXT device, and through close collaboration with Chiesi we developed a substantially improved device, both in terms of performance and user appeal," said Dr David Ellis of Cambridge Consultants. "This device should have a positive impact on the lives of millions of asthma and COPD sufferers."
"The results that we have received so far from clinical trials and user groups have been truly impressive," said Gaetano Brambilla, r&d project leader at Chiesi. "The combination of our innovative drug formulations and Cambridge Consultants" design expertise has resulted in a device that we expect to be very competitive towards the established market leaders."