MIXING SYTEMS FOR DPI POWDERS

Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) are a convenient method of delivering respiratory drugs. Traditionally, they are used for treating respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, but their use has also been tested for the treatment of other diseases like diabetes mellitus. Important factors in the development of DPIs are fast absorbance of the active ingredients into the bloodstream, and reduction of negative effects on the stomach.

Dry Powder Inhalers release a powder on inhalation that contains very fine active ingredients. These active ingredients are mixed with a carrier, generally lactose, to provide cohesion inside the inhaler, and separation on absorption in the lungs. Exact characteristics like these demand very specific mixing requirements: Hosokawa Micron has the solutions.

Cyclomix DPI blenders

Hosokawa Micron has adapted the proven Cyclomix technology specifically with blending DPI formulae in mind. The Cyclomix is able to disperse the active ingredients in the lactose filler exactly, so that the active ingredients will be released during inhalation. It mixes homogeneous batches that require low mixing energy and is gentle enough to eliminate any risk of particle erosion. Its conical construction and central outlet result in complete discharge of the mixing vessel and easy cleaning.

The Cyclomix is suitable for batches of 5 to 2000 litres and can be tailor made to suit your specific customer specifications, including CIP, control systems, variations on charging and discharging. The lab version is called Mini Cyclomix and this model features exchangeable product bowls with volumes of 0.1, 1 or 2 litres. All Cyclomix mixers comply with cGMP standards.

Related technologies

Producers of dry powder inhalers may also be interested in these related technologies:

• Air jet mills from Hosokawa Alpine, for the micronisation of actives and lactose
• Mechanofusion from Hosokawa Micron Corporation, for particle design
• Nobilta super high shear mixer