Development of an inhaled dry-powder formulation of tobramycin using PulmoSphere™ technology

J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv. 2011 Aug;24(4):175-82. doi: 10.1089/jamp.2010.0855. Epub 2011 Mar 11.

Abstract

Abstract At present, the only approved inhaled antipseudomonal antibiotics for chronic pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are nebulized solutions. However, prolonged administration and cleaning times, high administration frequency, and cumbersome delivery technologies with nebulizers add to the high treatment burden in this patient population. PulmoSphere™ technology is an emulsion-based spray-drying process that enables the production of light porous particle, dry-powder formulations, which exhibit improved flow and dispersion from passive dry powder inhalers. This review explores the fundamental characteristics of PulmoSphere technology, focusing on the development of a dry powder formulation of tobramycin for the treatment of chronic pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infection in CF patients. This dry powder formulation provides substantially improved intrapulmonary deposition efficiency, faster delivery, and more convenient administration over nebulized formulations. The availability of more efficient and convenient treatment options may improve treatment compliance, and thereby therapeutic outcomes in CF.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cystic Fibrosis / complications
  • Cystic Fibrosis / drug therapy
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Drug Design
  • Dry Powder Inhalers
  • Humans
  • Pseudomonas Infections / drug therapy
  • Pseudomonas Infections / etiology
  • Pseudomonas Infections / microbiology
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification
  • Tobramycin / administration & dosage*
  • Tobramycin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Tobramycin