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Back to the Future with Nebulized Therapy: New Opportunities in a Growing Market

Pritchard JN.

RDD Asia 2016. Volume , 2016: 15-24.

Abstract:

Nebulized therapy has been utilized for over 150 years, and although there have been few new drugs launched using this aerosol delivery platform over that time, there has been a recent resurgence in its popularity. The rise in the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in emerging economies and in the longevity of western populations has led to increased use of nebulizers, owing to a forgiving dose delivery profile that means they can be used without the need for specific breathing maneuvers. At the same time, the development of mesh nebulizers in particular has increased the convenience, efficiency, delivery rate, and range of drugs that can be delivered via nebulization. Mesh nebulizers have quickly become the device of choice for the delivery of aerosol to ventilated patients, and the delivery of systemic drugs by nebulizer is just around the corner. The electronics and sensors incorporated into mesh nebulizers also offer potential for the expansion of the role of the nebulizer from simple delivery device to part of an integrated treatment management system. As a result, nebulized therapy offers the potential for continued growth in this form of inhaled aerosol drug delivery.