Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) has launched an innovation in the metered dose inhaler (MDI) space with launch of 'Dose Counter Inhalers (DCI) for the first time in India. This the first MDI in India that gives patients an advance indication of when the inhaler is going to be empty. The device also includes a retractable mouth piece and a child lock facility and comes with a 'Universal Adapter' that can be fitted with available spacers.

DCI is a new drug delivery device with a single device having 120 metered doses. There is a window in the inhaler that changes colour from green to red. Green indicates the inhaler is full and red indicates the inhaler is empty. Half green and half red in the window indicate it's time to change the inhaler.

As per ORG IMS, inhaler market is currently valued at Rs 629 crore growing at a CAGR of over 18 per cent. DRL had entered the respiratory inhaler segment in India with the launch of 'Combihale' a combination of a steroid and a long acting bronchodilator in September 2008. It is used in the treatment of asthma and is available in three combinations.