Inhalation Toxicology: Route of Administration

Although oral drug administration is the most common type of drug delivery, many patients prefer inhaled medicines, if possible, over injections or other more invasive delivery methods. Inhalation toxicology studies are becoming vital in assessing the safety and potential toxicity of inhaled drugs or chemicals as respiratory diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF) also become more common.

• More than 150 inhalation studies performed annually
• Aerosolization engineering capabilities
• Purpose-built inhalation facilities  
• Regulatory experience with inhaled medicines, lung disease and medical devices
• View respiratory pharmacology & pharmacodynamic (PD) models. 
• Learn about preclinical to post-market solutions for respiratory therapeutic indications.

Why You Might Want to Consider the Inhalation Route

• Ease of use by patients = better adoption and adherence. Inhaled medicines are preferred over injections or other more invasive methods. 
• Rapid drug absorption. The lung's permeable membrane allows for rapid administration and fast metabolism into the body to treat rapid onset symptoms. 
• Reduced cost impact on the healthcare system. Both handheld and measured dose inhalers are standard medical technology that both staff and in-home patients are already familiar with, making it a low-barrier and low-cost impact on the healthcare system. 
• New generation of inhaler devices and techniques. The 3rd generation of devices can now include engineered products, which can potentially reduce the drug volume needed to reach efficacy as well as side effects. 
• Technological device advancements.New devices have made impressive gains, including electronic feedback, volume monitoring, electrostatic charging, specialized nano-carriers and humidity / temperature compensated delivery.  
• Device patents can potentially extend product life. You might be able to benefit from the patent on a device even after a pharma patent expires.