NVA unveils novel pulmonary drug delivery technology

Australian nanotechnology firm NanoVentures Australia (NVA) has reached an important milestone in the technical development of its pulmonary drug delivery technology.

NVA's predecessor, Nanotechnology Victoria, invested nearly $500,000 with Monash University's Micro NanoPhysics Research Laboratory to develop and demonstrate a mechanism for a new generation of liquid aerosol drugs. The proprietary Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) generated mechanism allows fluids to be atomised as precisely controlled droplets, making them suitable for inhaler devices. These inhalers are likely to be low cost, as they require few moving parts.

The SAW technology also means that drugs such as insulin can be delivered in fluid droplet form from an inhaler. Previous attempts to deliver insulin from an inhaler have used dry powders, which are more difficult to control, and may cause new issues for certain groups of patients, the company says.

Last month, NVA and Monash University filed for the protection of new intellectual property around their proprietary pulmonary drug delivery device. They hold the Australian provisional patent application.

The team has demonstrated in vitro results with maintenance of insulin structure and function after aerosolisation, and over 70% delivery to the lungs using the test protein insulin.

The surface acoustic atomisation technology developed by Monash University provides for the controlled generation of aerosol particles, and is said to be ideal for drug delivery to the deep regions of the lungs.

NVA has exclusive rights to the technology for potential applications in the administration of insulin and erythropoietin, as well as for the treatment of cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis.

The delivery device r&d programme, led by associate professor James Friend at the Monash University Micro NanoPhysics Research Laboratory, began in January 2007 and is due for completion in October 2009.