Abstract: This invention relates to the administration of proteins by absorption from the lungs. In particular, it is concerned with providing therapeutic doses of human growth hormone to the bloodstream without irritating or otherwise damaging lung tissue. This invention also relates to the methods of delivery of human growth hormone to the pulmonary system.

Abstract: Spray dried particles having specified aerodynamic characteristics are produced by atomizing a liquid feed and contacting the liquid feed with a drying gas, such as, for example, air or nitrogen. The humidity of the drying gas is controlled to a value, expressed, for instance, as dew point, which is known to produce particles having a specified tap density or aerodynamic diameter. Particles having a volume median geometric diameter greater than about 5 microns and a tap density less than about 0.4 g/cm3 are preferred.

Abstract: A method for delivering an agent to the pulmonary system, in a single, breath-activated step or a single breath, comprises administering from a receptacle enclosing a mass of particles, to a subject's respiratory tract, particles which have a tap density of less than 0.4 g/cm3 and deliver at least about 50% of the mass of particles. The particles are capable of carrying agents. The agent is (1) part of the spray-drying pre-mixture and thereby incorporated into the particles, (2) added to separately-prepared particles so that the agent is in chemical association with the particles or (3) blended so that the agent is mixed with, and co-delivered with the particles.