Aptar Pharma, one of the world leaders in the development and manufacturing of nasal and pulmonary drug delivery devices, has launched Twister, a new versatile affordable capsule-based Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) specifically targeting fast growing markets and aims to bring in cost-effective drug delivery devices.
It is estimated by the WHO that approximately 235 million people suffer from asthma in the world. Aptar Pharma‘s Twister, a new versatile affordable capsule-based DPI, will help treatment to patients worldwide. In the US and Europe, the majority of asthma drug sales are currently delivered via DPIs and pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs). In Asia and Latin America, asthma has been treated predominantly with pMDIs which are considered to be a more cost-effective device proposition than DPIs. Healthcare reforms in these regions and other growing markets are making asthma diagnosis and medication more available to patients. Aptar Pharma is anticipating that the DPI growth trend will spread. Twister is by nature simple to use, and will allow a wider range of asthma sufferers to not only gain better access to medication but also become more compliant with the treatment they receive due to its feedback design.
Twister has been designed to specifically address unmet needs in fast growing markets. Capsule filling technologies are well established, cost-effective and robust in all regions of the world, allowing for regional manufacturing. During the development process, the company’s dedicated inhalation drug formulation research team tested and collected data on various drug formulations, validating Twister as an off-the-shelf device, suitable for a variety of different drug compounds and formulations.
Twister is a transparent patient-friendly device. Only 3 simple steps are needed to operate it – Insert, Twist and Inhale – and the patient will be guided by various audible and visual feedbacks confirming that the full dose has been properly delivered. It was initiated in France and further developed in China at its class ISO 7 clean room manufacturing facility in Suzhou near Shanghai.
“Twister complements Aptar Pharma’s fully comprehensive range of drug delivery solutions, available worldwide for the pharmaceutical industry’s treatment of Asthma and COPD. Prohaler opened the door and taught us a lot about the world of DPIs. With the launch of Twister, Aptar Pharma is set to fulfill regional needs for a simpler and well suited solution to deliver powder to the lungs,” stated Adam M Shain, associate director Business Development, Aptar Pharma Prescription Division.
Among the pioneers of local manufacturing in China, Aptar Pharma Suzhou was opened in 1996 and currently produces pMDI metering valves and spray pumps for the Asian market. It was also the first company licensed to manufacture spray and aerosol drug delivery devices in China. Now with Twister, Aptar Pharma Suzhou will further Aptar Pharma’s commitment to provide world class quality products, promoting better global healthcare access, according to the company.