However, the use of biologics presents a number of issues. They are complex and expensive to produce, and the vast majority of biologic treatments are delivered through injections, which poses further challenges in patient comfort, convenience and compliance. Inhalation delivery – via a nebuliser – presents an exciting opportunity to move beyond the limitations of existing modes of treatment.

Nebulisers are most often used for inhalation delivery of liquid drug formulations, generating aerosol droplets suitable for effective uptake into the pulmonary system. This can result in far less drug wastage than other modes of delivery, with efficacy at lower doses. However, the nebulisation process can subject sensitive biologics to mechanical shear, thermal stress, and interfacial forces, potentially leading to degradation, denaturation or loss of functional activity.