The Pharmapack report, a compilation of 200 industry responses with additional analysis from Pharmacentric Solutions, Springboard, and Team Consulting, suggested there may be some major innovations in inhaled pulmonary and intra-nasal drug delivery in 2024.
One major shift identified was the evolution of inhalation device innovation, which is moving beyond just asthma and COPD, with the emergence of alternative therapies for conditions such as lung cancer, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and Parkinson’s disease. Device development is now tailored to meet the specific requirements of these new therapy areas, with examples including intra nasal drug delivery for both liquid and dry powder dose forms targeting CNS and systemic delivery – often for products that were previously only able to be delivered with injectables.
Emphasising the returning confidence seen at the event, the report’s 'drug delivery innovation' and 'sustainability' index both reported record highs earlier this month. Additionally, the report highlights the increasing preference for novel auto-injector development over on-body devices, due to lower costs and ease of use. Despite the number of products in development, on-body devices have proven to be more complex for users – involving challenges such as skin cleaning, adhesive peeling, and prolonged wearing – and injectables are forecast to occupy a greater share of R&D in the next year.