Solving the challenges of dry powder inhalation

Demand for respiratory care has grown significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic began. The increasing need for respiratory drugs has resulted in a need for greater knowledge of dry powder inhalation (DPI) formulations, often designed for inhalers to treat asthma and other pulmonary or respiratory conditions. 

Developing a DPI formulation is very complex, with a strong interdependency between process, powder, device and patient. To address this, DFE Pharma has announced it is joining forces with equipment supplier Harro Höfliger and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturer Sterling, to form a new initiative called Inhalation Together (INTO). 

The partnership aims to provide services that will help pharmaceutical companies better understand and simplify formulation development. 

DFE Pharma produces and distribute excipients, regarded by many as “the unsung heroes of pharma”. These are the filling and binding agents needed for a drug’s API to be released in a predictable and effective way into the patient’s system.

A complex process

Martti Hedman, CEO of DFE Pharma, told Pharma IQ that INTO will provide expertise to companies that need it when developing DPI formulations. 

“I am very excited about the INTO initiative because it increases speed to market and reduces the complexity of formulation and process development,” he said. “The three companies have a very good understanding of the critical aspects of development and manufacture of DPI products, adding significant value to our customers.” 
 
Prior to launching INTO in March 2022, DFE Pharma, Harro Höfliger and Sterling had already collaborated on several occasions to help pharma companies tackle common respiratory formulation challenges. Hedman says: “Inhaled therapies are designed to deliver active ingredients directly to the lungs, overcoming barriers related to other routes of administration. 

“This route demands a precise formulation. It is key to optimize APIs and excipients to match the increasing range of inhalant devices, each with different performance characteristics,” he added. “The ultimate efficacy of inhalation products depends on formulation, device, mixing, filling and patient specific factors.” 

Expertise for DPI formulation

INTO will provide different services, ranging from rapid Proof of Concepts to full-scale APIs, excipients, blend and filling design, development and troubleshooting, as well as consultancy.

Hedman says that strategic collaborations like this one are significant because they provide benefits to the entire pharma industry, patients and the wider healthcare system. He notes: “DPI formulation is a challenging process due to the strong interdependency between lactose excipients, equipment and APIs. We launched INTO with a common vision to provide a whole suite of services to enable pharma companies to successfully develop inhalation drugs.” 

He adds: “We are not stopping there. We will build further know-how and expertise for pharmaceutical companies focused on the respiratory area. Our plans for further collaboration will enhance customers’ experience, also benefitting patients by increasing their access to therapies.”

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