Multi-drug dry powder inhalation systems for effective treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

We will develop a dry powder inhaler (DPI) and multi-drug therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Current treatments require up to 5 medicines daily & current devices are inefficient. A micron sized inhalation powder that has a surface chemistry independant of the combination of drugs used will be formulated. Computational fluid dynamics will be used to predict powder de-agglomeration mechanisms and 3D-prototyping used to prepare working DPIs. Aerosolisation performance will be studied using 3D velocimetry & high-speed holography. We will advance knowledge in the physical & chemical sciences & develop techniques that have wide application. Ultimately, a novel therapeutic approach will have been developed for COPD.