Unlocking The Potential Of Capsule-Based Dry Powder Inhalers: From Development To Commercialization

By Nil Allué-Creus Pedemonte, Project Manager, Drug Products

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are playing an increasingly important role in respiratory care and are expanding into new therapeutic areas, from diabetes and Parkinson’s disease to anti-infectives and pulmonary hypertension. Their ability to provide rapid, non-invasive drug delivery, combined with improved formulation stability and lower environmental impact, makes capsule-based DPIs an attractive alternative to traditional inhalation technologies.

However, developing a successful DPI product requires much more than formulating a drug. Because DPIs are combination products, their performance depends on the complex interaction between the formulation and device. Achieving consistent drug delivery demands robust aerodynamic and solid-state characterization, specialized analytical testing, and careful control of manufacturing conditions such as humidity, temperature, and electrostatic charge.

Regulatory requirements add another layer of complexity, with developers needing to generate data that meet the expectations of multiple global health authorities. Learn how analytical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and specialized manufacturing capabilities can help accelerate DPI development while supporting performance, quality, and commercial success.