Abstract: A system for dispensing a clinically effective dose of an inhalable, pharmaceutically active compound, which system includes a dry powder inhaler device containing a powder containing the pharmaceutically active compound, wherein (a) of the powder particles dispensed by the inhaler device (the “metered DPI dose”), at least 40% are less than about 10 microns in diameter at the point the particles exit the inhaler, (b) the metered DPI dose is sufficient to produce a clinically effective result in a patient; and (c) the amount of the compound in the metered DPI dose is not more than 70% of the minimal amount of the compound which, when dispensed in a pressurized metered dose inhaler, produces an equivalent clinically effective result in the same patient.

Abstract: An inhaler for administering powder by inhalation, including a plurality of surfaces defining a flow path through which a stream of air is in use drawn on inhalation by a user. The flow path including a mouthpiece; and dosing means for providing a dose of powder to the flow path for entrainment in the stream of air. The inhaler further comprises a movable member downstream of the dosing means for inhibiting accumulation of powder on a surface of the flow path downstream of the dosing means.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a clinically effective dose of an inhalable, pharmaceutically active compound, which system includes a dry powder inhaler device containing a powder containing the pharmaceutically active compound, wherein (a) of the powder particles dispensed by the inhaler device (the “metered DPI dose”), at least 40% are less than about 10 microns in diameter at the point the particles exit the inhaler, (b) the metered DPI dose is sufficient to produce a clinically effective result in a patient; and (c) the amount of the compound in the metered DPI dose is not more than 70% of the minimal amount of the compound which, when dispensed in a pressurized metered dose inhaler, produces an equivalent clinically effective result in the same patient.

Abstract: A dose indicating device constructed for use with an inhalator is disclosed. The inhalator contains multiple doses of a medicament and has an operational portion that includes a dosing unit defining an inhalation channel, and a maneuvering element. The maneuvering element loads a dose of the medicament to the dosing unit and provides the dose in a position in the inhalation channel for inhalation.

Abstract: An inhalation device for inhalation of a pharmaceutically active substance from a reservoir in an inhaler comprising an inhalation channel with an air inlet and an air outlet, said device comprising a dispersing chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet into which the active substance may be sucked from said reservoir through the air outlet and means for allowing a user to inhale the active substance from said dispersing chamber, said dispersing chamber being defined by at least a first non-movable element and a second movable element, said second element being substantially cylinder-formed, said first element being arranged in said second element whereby a vacuum or negative pressure is created in said dispersing chamber when said first and second elements are moved in relation to each other, wherein said first non-movable element is fixed on the inhaler so that the second element will move in relation to both the first element and the inhaler when the device is activated for inhalation.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a clinically effective dose of an inhalable, pharmaceutically active compound, which system includes a dry powder inhaler device containing a powder containing the pharmaceutically active compound, wherein(a) of the powder particles dispensed by the inhaler device (the "metered DPI dose"), at least 40% are less than about 10 microns in diameter at the point the particles exit the inhaler,(b) the metered DPI dose is sufficient to produce a clinically effective result in a patient; and(c) the amount of the compound in the metered DPI dose is not more than 70% of the minimal amount of the compound which, when dispensed in a pressurized metered dose inhaler, produces an equivalent clinically effective result in the same patient.

Abstract: A method is provided for dispensing a clinically effective dose of an inhalable, pharmaceutically active compound. The method includes providing a dry powder inhaler containing a powder including the pharmaceutically active compound, and administering to a patient a dose of the compound that is less than 70% of the dose that would be necessary to obtain a physiologically equivalent result were the compound administered by a pressurized metered dose inhaler. The pharmaceutically active compound is in the form of primary particles at least 80% of which have a particle size of less than 10 microns, and the primary particles are provided as agglomerates which are deagglomerated during inhalation so that at least 40% of the dose administered is in the form of primary particles.