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Nektar Dry Powder Pulmonary Technology can be used to create fine, respirable, dry powders for efficient and reproducible delivery of both large and small molecules to the deep lung. This patented technology creates particles of optimal size (1-3 microns) and dispersibility by adjusting bulk powder properties, including geometric particle size and distribution, particle density, morphology, surface roughness, and surface energy.

> View Pulmonary Particle Technology animation

For the formulation of small molecules, our patented emulsion-based spray-drying technology produces porous particles of low density. These highly dispersible and chemically stable particles are particularly well suited for delivery in small, disposable, unit-dose dry powder inhalers (DPI), where large payloads (up to 50 mg) can be delivered in a single breath. This spray-drying process also produces powders that are suitable in pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) delivery systems. Compared with the cohesive nature of micronized crystals, the porous design of these particles decreases interparticle cohesion, enabling highly efficient deposition in the lung that is largely independent of the patient's inspiratory flow rate. This process enables the formulation of both water-soluble and water-insoluble molecules for either local lung delivery or systemic indications. For example, the process has been used to formulate antibiotics for local lung infections, and inhaled insulin for systemic delivery.

For macromolecule therapeutics, our proprietary, solution-based spray drying process can stabilize large molecule formulations in the glassy state. The glass stabilization process enhances the stability of the resulting drug powders, ensuring long-term product shelf life at room temperature without the need for preservatives. The glass stabilization technology was originally developed by Dr. Felix Franks in Cambridge, England. It was inspired by the drought-survival strategy used by microorganisms, plants, and insects to protect vital proteins by vitrifying them into a sugar in the amorphous state. After licensing this technology, Nektar scientists applied it to produce room-temperature stable and highly dispersible powders of insulin and other macromolecules for inhalation, using safe excipients found in food, nutritional supplements, medicines, as well in as other natural products already employed for human consumption.