Abstract: Aerosol formulations suitable for use in pressurised metered dose inhalers comprise a hydrofluoroalkane propellant, an medicament for inhalation and a surfactant which is a a C8–C16 fatty acid or salt thereof, a bile salt, a phospholipid, or an alkyl saccharide.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical aerosol formulation comprising (a) a HFA propellant; (b) a pharmaceutically active polypeptide dispersible in the propellant; and (c) a surfactant which is a C8-C16 fatty acid or salt thereof, a bile salt, a phospholipid, or an alkyl saccharide, which surfactant enhances the systemic absorption of the polypeptide in the lower respiratory tract. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing such formulations and the use of such formulations in treating patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable breath-actuated inhaler comprising a tubular housing forming an air flow path being open at both ends, one end forming an air inlet (4) and one end forming an air outlet (5), the housing comprising a compartment (3) for storing a pharmaceutical powder to be inhaled. The compartment (3) for storing the pharmaceutical powder is located close to the air inlet (4) and is covered by a thin foil (6) sealing the compartment in an airtight way which can be removed from the compartment from outside the housing, the housing being shaped with a constriction (9) adjacent the powder compartment (3) such that a turbulent air stream will be obtained at the constriction upon inhalation which will lift the powder out from the compartment (3) and mix the powder into the air stream.