DRUG DELIVERY SUPPLEMENT
Take a deep breath Capsugel Zephyr is a new portfolio for dry-powder inhalation (DPI) capsules of different polymers and compositions. European Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Editor Reece Armstrong caught up with Frederique Bordes-Picard, business development manager for innovative products, capsule delivery solutions at Lonza to learn more. WHY DID LONZA CHOOSE TO DEVELOP A NEW DPI CAPSULE PORTFOLIO? The Capsugel Zephyr portfolio responds to the marketplace needs for comprehensive inhalation solutions that seek end-product efficacy with consistent and optimal release performance regardless of formulation characteristics or DPI device principles. With the launch of the Capsugel Zephyr portfolio, Lonza now offers full end-to-end solutions for capsule-based DPI products. Our specialised capsule technology provides to our customers with the right solution to deliver optimal product performance for the pulmonary route to patients; a testament to how patient-centricity and customer focus are at the heart of Lonza’s healthcare continuum. CAN THE PORTFOLIO HELP INCREASE COMPLIANCE RATES FOR RESPIRATORY PATIENTS? Addressing patient compliance issues in the inhalation field is indeed essential as clearly stated during the recent RDD conferences in Lisboa. This should be done through patient-centric drug product development combined with deep patient education. For capsule-based DPI products, it is essential to ensure optimal performance of the DPI capsule with the selected device and the specific formulation. Thus, the importance of a complete portfolio of solutions as there is no “standard DPI” capsule: the critical parameters impacting the end performance should be customised to maximise emitted dose and fine particle fraction as well as finished product stability. Moreover, DPI capsule visual appearance including colour combination, transparency and printing can also be used to increase patient compliance. WHAT BARRIERS DO INHALATION DRUG PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS CURRENTLY FACE AND HOW DOES LONZA’S NEW PORTFOLIO ADDRESS THEM? Drug product manufacturers working in the inhalation field have to develop efficient and safe treatments with increasingly complex formulations while ensuring cost effectiveness and access to essential treatments for highly prevalent respiratory diseases. In addition, there are now calls to develop connected solutions to improve patient compliance as well as a more “green” device selection with lower environmental impact.
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