Abstract: Devices, packaging and methodology for efficiently and repeatably creating aerosolized bursts of a formulation of respiratory drug are disclosed. Devices are hand-held, self-contained units which are automatically actuated at the same release point in a patient's inspiratory flow cycle. The release point is automatically determined either mechanically or, more preferably calculated by a microprocessor which receives data from a sensor making it possible to determine inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory volume. The device is loaded with a cassette comprised of an outer housing which holds a package of individual collapsible containers of formulation which comprises a respiratory drug useful in topically treating lung tissue. Actuation of the device forces respiratory drug through a porous membrane of the container which membrane has pores having a diameter in the range of about 0.25 to 6.0 microns. The porous membrane is positioned in alignment with a surface of a channel through which a patient inhales air.

Abstract: Devices, packaging and methodology for efficiently and repeatably creating aerosolized bursts of an insulin containing formulation are disclosed. Devices are hand-held, self-contained units which are automatically actuated at the same release point in a patient's inspiratory flow cycle. The release point is automatically determined either mechanically or, more preferably calculated by a microprocessor which receives data from a sensor making it possible to determine inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory volume. The device is loaded with a cassette comprised of an outer housing which holds a package of individual disposable collapsible containers of an insulin containing formulation for systemic delivery. Actuation of the device forces insulin formulation through a porous membrane of the container which membrane has pores having a diameter in the range of about 0.25 to 3.0 microns, preferably 0.25 to 1.5 microns.

Abstract: An aerosol formulation of an aerosol propellant and a base form of a narcotic drug selected from the group consisting of fentanyl, sufentanil and remfentanyl is provided. Such a formulation allows for the drug to be dissolved within the propellant and used within a device which does not require the use of a lubricant. Formulations are also disclosed which include lubricants, wherein the lubricant and propellant are both either polar or both non-polar. Thus, the lubricant component does not act as a solvent or cosolvent, but rather acts as a lubricant for the valve used for dispersing the formulation to a patient. Typical non-polar propellants include chlorofluorocarbons, which are typically used in connection with non-polar lubricants such as saturated vegetable oils, e.g. fractionated coconut oils. Typical polar propellants include hydrofluoroalkanes, which are typically used in connection with polar lubricants such as polyethylene glycols.

Abstract: Methodology and devices for delivering aerosolized formulation to target areas of a patient's respiratory tract are disclosed. The device is a hand-held, self-contained unit which is readily portable and capable of measuring a variety of parameters including the patient's total respiratory tract capacity, inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory volume. The device is loaded with a container which includes a drug formulation in a liquid form which container includes an opening which is covered, at least in part, by a porous membrane. The pore sizes are designed so as to provide aerosolized particle sizes which are tailored in size for delivery to the specific target area of the respiratory tract. The device can allow the patient to inhale a predetermined volume of unaerosolized air followed by a predetermined volume of aerosol after which flow can be shut off completely or followed by additional aerosol free air.