Innovative Inhaler Transforming Respiratory Medication Dispensing
In a groundbreaking development, Cambridge Healthcare Innovations (CHI) has unveiled Quattrii, a dry powder inhaler (DPI) designed to deliver large doses of drugs in a single inhalation. The innovative device, developed by CHI's CEO and Founder, David Harris, promises to revolutionise drug delivery for lung and airway diseases, as well as systemic conditions where lung delivery is advantageous.
Quattrii's high efficiency delivery sets it apart from traditional inhalers, delivering at least 70% of the drug directly to the lungs, significantly surpassing the 10% to 50% typically achieved by existing devices [1][2][3]. This high efficiency reduces the amount of drug needed for therapeutic effects, potentially minimising side effects.
By separating the active ingredient from the lactose carrier, Quattrii ensures that less total powder is inhaled, reducing the risk of side effects such as cough and other respiratory issues [1][3]. The reduction in systemic exposure could also decrease typical side effects like hair loss and nausea associated with systemic drug delivery [2].
Rapid dose administration is another key advantage of Quattrii. Patients can receive their dose in a matter of seconds, compared to the hours often required by traditional systemic drug delivery methods [2].
Quattrii's versatility extends to its payload capacity, supporting doses ranging from 30 mg to 100 mg, allowing for flexible dosing depending on the specific needs of the patient [1]. The use of blister primary packaging supports payloads sensitive to moisture, such as biologics, making it suitable for a wide range of therapeutic molecules [1].
Professor Omar Usmani, Professor of Respiratory Medicine and the Clinical Director of Respiratory Trials at ICRRU, expresses excitement about CHI's Quattrii inhaler platform, as it addresses issues with precision, effectiveness, and high dose delivery in respiratory medicine. Dr Jenny Lam, Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics at UCL and inhaled biologics expert, states that CHI's Quattrii DPI offers huge potential for those developing a wide range of drugs that could save millions of lives.
Quattrii's potential is particularly significant for the treatment of lung cancer. David Harris notes that existing inhalers either lack sufficient moisture protection or are unable to deliver the amount of drug a patient needs in one go, regardless of the vast range of lung and inhalation capacities. Quattrii, however, is designed to address these issues and improve the efficiency of drug delivery.
Quattrii will be available for pharmaceutical companies to start using in Phase 1 clinical trials from Q4 of this year. The benefits of Quattrii's inhalation technology, compared to traditional intravenous chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy, include the reduced amount a patient must receive to get the required therapeutic effect and the avoidance of typical side effects such as hair loss and nausea.
With Quattrii, the future of drug delivery looks promising, offering faster, more efficient, and less invasive methods for patients, particularly those battling lung and airway diseases.
The Quattrii inhaler, developed by Cambridge Healthcare Innovations, is expected to undergo Phase 1 clinical trials in Q4 of this year, making strides in the field of health-and-wellness technology by promising faster, more efficient, and less invasive methods for treating medical-conditions, particularly lung and airway diseases. By separating the active ingredient from the lactose carrier and ensuring high efficiency delivery, Quattrii could significantly reduce side effects associated with traditional inhalers and systemic drug delivery, including cough, respiratory issues, hair loss, and nausea. This groundbreaking device, bolstered by science, showcases the potential for revolutionizing clinical trials in various fields.
