Stability and performance characteristics of a budesonide powder for inhalation with a novel dry powder inhaler device.

The design and the functionality of an innovative, multidose dry powder inhaler for the topical administration of drugs to the lung are described. The integrated triple inhalation control system, combined with easy handling, should increase acceptance of the device by patients. In-vitro data on a 200-microgram dose of budesonide powder for inhalation have demonstrated the excellent performance and robustness of this pocket-sized, breath-actuated device. The inhaler was developed for a wide range of drugs, and its patented dispersion system can be used with pelletized pure drugs or powder blends. The multidose dry powder inhaler is already on the market for use with one of the key asthma drugs: budesonide (Budecort 200 Novolizer; Sofotec GmbH & Co. KG, Frankfurt, Germany).