Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing NSAIDs that are used in inhalation therapy. In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of an NSAID. In a method aspect of the present invention, an NSAID is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of an NSAID, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal.

Abstract: A drug dispenser (1) has a hollow body (2) with a housing (6) for a pressurised can (7) containing a drug and its propellant arranged on top of the body. The can has an outlet stem (8) received in a socket (9) in an internal spigot (10). This has a junction with a flexible tube (11), leading to a kink valve pair (12, 14). The tube continues on to a second internal spigot (15), having a spray nozzle (16) just within a breathing opening (5). The kink valve pair (12, 14) is formed as a moulding of the tube, with side wings (17). Towards the ends of the wings, they have thinner portions (17.1) at which there are apertures (18) immediately adjacent the tube. The arrangement, which is similar to that in my International Application No. PCT/GB01/03313, defines positions at which the tube kinks to close its through bore (19). The thinner portions are provided in two positions, which provide the two kink valves. An intermediate section (20) of the tube, with a predetermined volume is provided between the kink valves.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising a body (1), a reservoir unit (3) comprising a reservoir containing one dose or two half-doses of fluid, a dispensing member such as a piston (8) mounted to move axially inside the reservoir (3) between a rest position and a dispensing position, and an actuating element (5) that is mounted to move between a rest position and an actuating position, said fluid dispenser device being characterized in that said actuating element (5) is disposed laterally, and has an end portion provided with a cam surface (6) which cooperates with said dispensing member (8) or said reservoir unit (3), said actuating element (5) being moved in a direction that is different from, and in particular substantially perpendicular to, the axial direction in which the dispensing member (8) moves relative to the reservoir.

Abstract: An inhalation device for administering a powdered medicament by inhalation including a suction tube through which the medicament is drawn on inhalation by a user, a blister pack, a housing which carries the blister pack and has housing surfaces, the suction tube being removably connected to the housing and having a distal end which can interact with the blister pack and a proximal end through which the user inhales, and a resilient member that resiliently biases the suction tube into a position where it is spaced from the housing surfaces to facilitate grasping of the suction tube by the user when the inhalation device is ready for use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a metered dosage inhaler device having a main housing member for receiving and dispensing inhalation medication that is hollow, and has an aerosol medication container insertion end and a nozzle portion, wherein the nozzle has a defined length and has an orifice with a defined cross-sectional area outlet surfaces and inner surfaces. There is a spacer member, fitted on the nozzle and adapted to move outwardly and inwardly relatively to the nozzle, the spacer being hollow and being located about either outer surfaces or within the inner surfaces of the nozzle, the spacer having a total length about equal to or less than the nozzle when on the outside, or at least half of its length within the device when on the inside, so as to preserve significant compactness. The spacer member includes a plurality of movable segments such as telescopic rings, bellows segments or popoid segments.

Abstract: A metering device suitable for use in a dry powder inhaler comprises a housing defining a reservoir. The reservoir contains a powder. A rotatable auger, having a first and second end, has one or more flutes extending between the ends. The first end of the auger communicates with the reservoir. A dosing member, defining a dosing recess having a desired volume, is positionable adjacent said second end of said auger. Rotation of said auger causes the powder to be transferred through the flutes and into the dosing recess to fill the recess volume with a specific dose of powder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a metered dosage inhaler device having a main housing member for receiving and dispensing inhalation medication that is hollow, and has an aerosol medication container insertion end and a nozzle portion, wherein the nozzle has a defined length and has an orifice with a defined cross-sectional area outlet surfaces and inner surfaces. There is a spacer member, fitted on the nozzle and adapted to move outwardly and inwardly relatively to the nozzle, the spacer being hollow and being located about either outer surfaces or within the inner surfaces of the nozzle, the spacer having a total length about equal to or less than the nozzle when on the outside, or at least half of its length within the device when on the inside, so as to preserve significant compactness. The spacer member includes a plurality of movable segments such as telescopic rings, bellows segments or popoid segments.

Abstract: The actuation mechanism of a breath-actuated inhaler for delivery of a medicament by inhalation. The actuation mechanism includes a pre-loading mechanism is arranged to load the resilient loading element by manual depression of two contact members movable relative to the housing and disposed opposite one another on either side of the axis of a canister held in the housing. The actuation mechanism also includes a pivotably mounted trigger vane arranged to be moved by inhalation at the mouthpiece to cause operation of the actuation mechanism, wherein the trigger vane is mounted to pivot about an axis passing through the center of mass of the trigger.

Abstract: A valve, shaped and sized for metered dose inhalers, consisting of a mount, a central body and top plate with peripheral air passages and central opening for medication delivery. A flexible elastic diaphragm closes the air passages and a central wiper seal on the diaphragm isolates the center opening from the air passageway. Pressure on the rim of the central opening of the diaphragm causes it to open the air passages timed with injection of medication through the central opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to dispensing apparatus for use with pressurised dispensing containers and in particular, but not exclusively, for apparatus for dispensing orally inhaled medicinal products in aerosol forms. The apparatus comprises a housing (4) adapted to receive a pressurized dispensing container (2) and a mouth piece (11). Valve means (28) is provided, moveable between a first position in which a duct is closed and a second position in which a duct is open, and a flow sensor being activatable, by means of an air flow created when a user applies suction to the mouth piece, to move the valve means (28) into its second position. Wherein the flow sensor comprises a diaphragm (60) and the diaphragm and/or housing is provided with at least one aperture (64), wherein the diaphragm comprises a first element (66) connected to the housing and a second element (62) axially slidably moveable relative thereto. The first and second diaphragm elements being connected by a flexible member (61).

Abstract: A tubular respiratory assistance device which forms the wall of a main channel and is intended to be connected by its distal end to a patient's airway, so that the main channel connects the patient's respiratory system to the outside, and which has at least one auxiliary channel which is associated with deflection means for injecting a respiratory gas jet which is deflected toward the interior of the main channel and is intended to ventilate the patient. The tubular respiratory assistance device also has an annular chamber arranged at the periphery of it, coaxially with it on its distal end, and a distal annular orifice, the annular chamber communicating with the patient's respiratory system by means of the distal annular orifice and being provided with means for connection to the outside. Also, a respiratory assistance mask intended to be fitted to a patient's face which has this tubular respiratory assistance device for inlet and outlet of respiratory gas.