Originally Published EMDM January 2006
Industry News
Time-Saving Optical System Optimizes Drug Research for Inhalers
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Custom optoelectronics enable a system to test drug-device combination products in less than one minute. |
Brian Buntz
An optical system can test new device and drug combinations within 60 seconds. Suitable for inhalers and drugs, the instrument could reduce the amount of time spent in research and development. Developed by Cambridge Consultants (Cambridge, UK) for VariDose (Loughborough, Leics, UK), the product utilizes custom optoelectronics to enable quick, efficient testing of drug-device combinations. The device provides additional information on the characteristics of the particle or droplet cloud emitted by the inhaler, and can also be positioned in-line with other measurement devices, a breathing simulator, or a patient.
The inhaler’s drug cloud is measured as it passes through a tube intersected by coplanar beams of red, blue, and infrared light. Sensors monitor the structure of the evolving drug cloud as the light passes through it. Detailed analysis is presented on a standard Windows-enabled computer. Results can be used to investigate essential cloud characteristics such as variability in particle size distribution and fine-particle fraction.
Interest in pulmonary drug delivery has been fuelled by the emergence of inhaled systemic drugs and global concern over the sharp rise in respiratory conditions such as asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease. Since current measurement systems, such as cascade impactors and impingers, can be inflexible and labour intensive, the VariDose device could lead to more-efficient drug research, according to Cambridge Consultants.
For more information, contact Cambridge Consultants, Science Park, Milton Rd.
Cambridge, CB4 0DW, UK; phone: +44 1223 420024; fax: +44 1223 423373; e-mail: info@cambridgeconsultants.com; Internet: www.cambridgeconsultants.com.
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