Inhaled Advances: Emerging Trends in Pulmonary Drug Delivery

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Drug Delivery and Controlled Release".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 443

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: pulmonary drug delivery; 3D printing; microparticulate manufacturing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pulmonary drug delivery has emerged as a vital route for both local and systemic therapies, driven by the unique physiology of the lungs and the growing demand for noninvasive treatment options. This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and critical reviews that explore the latest advances in inhaled formulations, microparticulate systems, novel excipients for pulmonary drug delivery, nanocarrier systems, aerosol technologies, and precision targeting strategies. From treating respiratory diseases such as infection, asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to systemic applications including vaccines and oncology, contributions are invited to be made to this Special Issue to highlight the versatility and potential of pulmonary delivery platforms.

Dr. Dolores R. Serrano
Dr. Brayan Anaya
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • pulmonary drug delivery
  • microparticles
  • nanomedicines
  • infectious diseases
  • lung targeting

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

24 pages, 2946 KB  
Article
Comparative In Vitro Deposition Analysis of Formoterol, Glycopyrronium, and Tiotropium Delivered via Capsule-Based DPI
by Adam Sikora, Joanna Chałupka, Kinga Lewandowska, Paulina Drapińska and Michał Piotr Marszałł
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(9), 1089; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17091089 - 22 Aug 2025
Viewed by 218
Abstract
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are the mainstay in the treatment of obstructive pulmonary diseases. However, the performance of DPI formulations is highly dependent on the used inhaler device and the patient’s inspiratory effort. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the aerosolization behavior [...] Read more.
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are the mainstay in the treatment of obstructive pulmonary diseases. However, the performance of DPI formulations is highly dependent on the used inhaler device and the patient’s inspiratory effort. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the aerosolization behavior of three commercially available capsule-based DPI medications—formoterol (Foradil®), glycopyrronium (Seebri® Breezhaler), and tiotropium (Spiriva®)—delivered using three different capsule-based inhalers (Aerolizer, Breezhaler, and Handihaler), under varying flow conditions. Methods: The aerodynamic performance of each formulation–inhaler combination was assessed using the Next-Generation Impactor (NGI) and Dosage Unit Sampling Apparatus (DUSA) methodology. Fine particle dose (FPD) and aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD) were determined at fixed flow rates of 15, 30, 60, and 100 L/min, as well as at inhaler-specific flow rates corresponding to a 4 kPa pressure drop. Chromatographic quantification of active ingredients was performed using validated HPLC methods specific to each drug. Results: The FPD values increased consistently with higher flow rates across all tested formulations and inhalers. At a 4 kPa pressure drop, Aerolizer and Breezhaler achieved significantly higher FPDs compared to Handihaler. Notably, in some instances, non-dedicated inhalers produced greater respirable fractions than the originally intended devices. APSD profiles revealed that drug deposition shifted toward smaller NGI stages at higher inspiratory flows, supporting enhanced deep lung delivery potential under optimal conditions. Conclusions: Device resistance, capsule orientation, and piercing mechanics substantially influence drug aerosolization. Although non-dedicated inhalers may offer improved FPDs in vitro, clinical use should adhere to approved drug–device combinations, as these have been validated for efficacy and safety under real-world conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inhaled Advances: Emerging Trends in Pulmonary Drug Delivery)
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