3M Drug Delivery Systems has introduced two new innovations for inhalation drug delivery with pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs)-3M Plasma Coating Technology and the 3M Face Seal Valve. Both technologies help pMDI systems achieve significant improvement to product performance, expanding the capabilities and the robustness of these devices.

The company's Plasma Coating Technology, for inhalation has helped to protect against degradation, deposition and corrosion. The ultra thin coating is suitable for both plastics and metals, and addresses several existing challenges with pMDI hardware. Some active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are susceptible to degradation when in contact with metal oxides, but 3M's new technology effectively addresses this problem, showing a significant reduction in degradation during laboratory testing. An additional known concern with pMDIs is the deposition of API on the surfaces of container closure systems (CCS).

The technology was showcased in a poster session at the Respiratory Drug Delivery Conference (RDD) held in Portugal. The 3M Face Seal Valve eliminates the need to prime an inhaler by collecting the dose as the inhaler is fired. Traditional pMDI valves operate on a 'dose retention' principle, collecting the dose when the valve stem is released after firing. Over time, this can lead to loss of prime or loss of dose, which is why patients are advised to prime these inhalers by firing an uninhaled shot before use.

"As an industry leader, 3M remains committed to investing in research and development in order to keep bringing breakthroughs like these to market," said Jim Vaughan, Division vice president, 3M Drug Delivery Systems.

"Introducing such drug delivery solutions in the Indian market, we are confident that our innovations will go a long way in providing patients with the highest quality of health," said Gautam Khanna, vice president, Healthcare Business, 3M India.

Both 3M Plasma Coating Technology and the 3M Face Seal Valve are available as parts of a complete system programme, or as stand alone components.