Pulmonary Drug Delivery

Drug therapy via inhalation is at the cutting edge of modern drug delivery research. It is a noninvasive, rapid, and effective way to deliver therapeutic agents both locally and systemically. However, there are challenges associated with the formulation design of inhalation products, including understanding interactions that exist between the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and the device. Advances and Challenges in Pulmonary Drug Delivery describes the most pertinent issues in the selection and design of formulation components and device which impact upon patient usability and clinical effectiveness. The constraints involved with the delivery of APIs to both adult and paediatric patients are covered. The science relating to the formulation of micro- and nanoparticles, macromolecules, and antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents is described. The importance of the chemistry and physicochemical properties of the excipient in increasing delivery efficiency is considered in detail. The evaluation of inhalers containing poorly soluble APIs and testing the dissolution of such formulations is also reviewed. Finally, the book provides a detailed account of research strategies for the future development of inhaled medicines. Intended for researchers and advanced students in pharmacy, as well as researchers in respiratory formulations and drug delivery in the pharmaceutical industry, the book enables readers to develop a deep understanding of the key aspects of inhalation formulations.