Product category:
Particle size analysis equipment
News Release from: Malvern Instruments
Edited by the Laboratorytalk Editorial
Team on 20 October 2006
Malvern and Melbourn optimise inhaler
design
Melbourn Scientific and Malvern Instruments are combining their expertise in an innovative research project that will increase the understanding of inhaler operation
Melbourn Scientific will use the Malvern Spraytec laser diffraction particle size analyser to make measurements of inhaler sprays produced using 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
This article was originally published on Laboratorytalk on 27 Jun 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Contributing to drug carrier research
Nanoparticle characterisation using the Zetasizer Nano from Malvern Instruments is providing essential information for researchers working on drug delivery systems at UK's newest school of pharmacy
Melbourn is first UK CRO to routinely use Spraytec
Melbourn Scientific has become the first CRO in the UK to routinely use the Malvern Instruments Spraytec particle size analyser to support the development of inhaler, nebuliser and nasal spray systems
"The market for inhalation systems is growing strongly as the benefits of this drug delivery route become increasingly well understood," notes Paul Kippax, product manager for the Spraytec system.
"In response to this Malvern has developed the Spraytec to enable researchers to carry out more realistic inhaler characterization studies.
"Combining the capabilities of the Spraytec and the TTP electronic lung is a powerful way of gaining new insight into the factors affecting dose uniformity".
Further reading
Laser diffraction for analysis of atomised clay
The process stream being analysed is a hot, viscous, highly concentrated, pressurised suspension which contains particles that are less than 200microns in diameter
Sales growth for Sysmex FPIA 3000 in abrasives
Continued sales in the abrasives industry highlights the value of the Sysmex FPIA-3000 particle characterisation system for products whose performance is sensitive to particle shape
Melbourn Scientific is the only contract laboratory to offer the use of the TTP electronic lung, a system which bridges the gap between in vitro and in vivo measurement of the performance of dry powder inhalers.
It 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, Melbourn Scientific adds: "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.
"The advantage of the Spraytec is that it provides a dynamic measurement over the first few milliseconds of a breath, providing significantly more information than the traditional fixed flow methods.
"This pilot project has the potential to produce a test method that will allow customers to determine whether a given device or formulation will produce the required in vivo behaviour".
Malvern Instruments is a supplier of systems for the characterisation of particle and material properties.
It offers fully automated solutions for the measurement of particle size distribution, particle shape, molecular weight, zeta potential and rheological properties.
Melbourn Scientific provides contract analytical services for the pharmaceutical industry and associated device developers.
As well as offering extensive test facilities in many areas of pharmaceutical analysis, it has significant expertise in the analysis of inhaled products and delivery devices. Request free introductory details about products from Malvern Instruments ...
• Malvern Instruments: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Laboratorytalk email newsletter
• Laboratorytalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
