Precision drug delivery system for inhaled medicines
Projekt code: 2021-1.1.4- GYORSÍTÓSÁV-2022-00078
Aid amount: 149 332 500 Ft
Funding organisation: NRDI Office
Project start date: March 01, 2022
Project end: February 28, 2024
The aim of the project
The aim of the project is to develop a system for the accurate delivery of inhaled drugs, the main components of which are: 1) a breath-activated smart drug delivery device and 2) a software platform for determining the dose deposited in the airways based on the respiratory parameters measured at the time of delivery and the patient's physiological parameters. The smart device measures the air flow rate through the inhaled drug delivery device and, based on this information, the system automatically activates the delivery device at the time that results in maximum deposition. The software platform uses the measured data and the patient's physiological parameters to determine the amount of drug that will be deposited, allowing the amount of active ingredients that will be deposited in the airways to be estimated immediately after delivery and the therapeutic treatment to be tailored to the individual. Knowing the exact dose delivered is a major advance in the field of inhalation treatments.
Public project summary
The project of Spirocco Kft. entitled “Precision Drug Delivery System for Inhaled Drugs” was implemented within the framework of the application with the identification number 2021-1.1.4-GYORSÍTÓSÁV-2022-00078, with the support of the NKFIH Fast Track program. The goal of the development was to create an intelligent, digitally controlled inhalation drug delivery system capable of real-time analysis of the inhalation process and automatic optimization of the dosage, thereby improving the efficiency of inhalation therapies.
The project resulted in a smart device and software platform that can be adapted to most pMDI inhalers. The device measures the airflow profile during inhalation and, using an algorithm, automatically activates the dispenser at the most favorable moment. The developed software also takes into account the patient's physiological data, thus accurately determining the amount of medication deposited in the airways. This solution allows for the personalization of treatments and the monitoring of the therapeutic effect and medication utilization.
As part of the research and development, Spirocco Kft. has also developed a realistic digital airway model, which is suitable for investigating the airway flow and deposition processes of inhaled drugs. The model was validated with measurements performed on 3D printed geometries, so the results are close to clinical reality. This new methodology may contribute to increasing the efficiency of future inhaled drug development, clinical research and drug transport modeling.
The prototype developed during the project is now ready for clinical validation and subsequent market launch. Thanks to the modular design of the device, it can be integrated into other digital health systems, such as metabolic analyzers or telehealth platforms.
Spirocco Ltd. presented the achieved results at several international and domestic events, including the Digital Health Summit 2023 conference and the Medica 2023–2024 international medical technology exhibitions. These appearances contributed to the international awareness of the development and the preparation of industrial collaborations.
By implementing the project, Spirocco Ltd. has created innovative, exportable technology that creates new opportunities in the fields of precision medical technology, inhalation therapy and digital health solutions, facilitating the future development of personalized medicine.
