Abstract: The invention provides a method of selecting a nebulizer device to be used to deliver a vaccine comprising selecting a nebulizer capable of producing a plurality of vaccine particles having the following particle droplet size distribution: (i) Dv10: 2.0+/?0.2 ?m (ii) Dv50: 5.0+/?0.5 ?m (iii) Dv90: 10.0+/?1.0 ?m (iv) a mean mass aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 4.5 to 8.0 ?m This allows the selection of, for example, commercially available nebulizers, previously used for drug delivery, for vaccine delivery. This considerably reduces the work required to identify suitable nebulizers. Nebulizers identified by the methods of the invention are also claimed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of selecting a nebuliser device to be used to deliver a vaccine comprising selecting a nebuliser capable of producing a plurality of vaccine particles having the following particle droplet size distribution: (i) Dv10: 2.0+/?0.2 ?m (ii) Dv50: 5.0+/?0.5 ?m (iii) Dv90: 10.0+/?1.0 ?m (iv) a mean mass aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 4.5 to 8.0 ?m This allows the selection of, for example, commercially available nebulisers, previously used for drug delivery, for vaccine delivery. This considerably reduces the work required to identify suitable nebulisers. Nebulisers identified by the methods of the invention are also claimed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of selecting or optimising a nebuliser device to be used to deliver a vaccine comprising selecting a nebuliser capable of producing a plurality of vaccine particles having the following particle droplet size distribution: (i) Dv10: 2.0+/?0.2 ?m (ii) Dv50: 5.0+/?0.5 ?m (iii) Dv90: 10.0+/?1.0 ?m (iv) a mean mass aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 4.5 to 8.0 ?m This allows the selection of, for example, commercially available nebulisers, previously used for drug delivery, for vaccine delivery. This considerably reduces the work required to identify suitable nebulisers. The additional preferred features are disclosed for the selection of nebulisers for use in mass vaccination programs. Nebulisers identified by the methods of the invention are also claimed.

Abstract: In a method for creating an immune response, a vaccine is prepared in the form of a dry powder. The powder particles have an aerodynamic particle size range from 1-100 microns. A dose of powder is loaded into a dry powder inhaler. The dose is inhaled with an inspiratory flow rate of less than 60 liters per minute. A mucosal immune response is created via particles of the vaccine material depositing on the upper respiratory tract. A systemic immune response is created via particles of the vaccine material depositing into the deep lung. The vaccine material is size reduced by e.g., jet milling, into the desired range, yet vaccine potency is retained.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber containing beads. A dose of dry powder is released into the chamber, or into an inlet tangentially joining into the chamber. As the patient inhales on a nosepiece or mouthpiece, air moves circularly through the dispersion chamber to drive the beads. The beads roll, bounce, and collide repeatedly with the drug particles on the chamber surfaces or on the beads. The smaller active drug particles are separated from the larger carrier particles and from each other, and a powder aerosol is created and inhaled by the patient. The beads are preferably lightweight, so that they can be rapidly accelerated and moved, even with nominal inspiration. The flow resistance of the inhaler is also reduced via the beads, allowing greater air flow and powder dispersion, without any increased effort by the patient.

Abstract: A method for inhalation of a dry powder drug includes the steps of providing a dry powder drug composition having a drug particle size of from about 1-7 microns and a mass median aerodynamic diameter of the delivered aerosol of from about 3.5 to 5.5 microns. This composition is loaded into an inhaler which is generally flow rate independent, and with the inhaler having an inspiration flow resistance of about 0.12 to 0.21 (cmH.sub.2 O).sup.1/2 over the range of about 15-60 L/min. The patient inhales the drug composition from the inhaler with an inspiration flow rate of about 15-60 L/min, resulting in a delivery efficiency measured by respirable fraction greater than 20%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oil and water contaminants from chloro-fluoro carbon refrigerants. This system is a single pass filtration system specifically designed for sealed systems with no atmospheric bleed off of chloro-fluoro carbons. This system incorporates a novel oil absorbent and is compact enough for small commercial applications, such as service stations or portable service of environmental control units. This system also incorporates a new cartridge type filter containing both water and oil and particulate absorbtion and removal means.