Kindeva Drug Delivery (formerly 3M Drug Delivery Systems) has signed a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) with Loughborough University for the development of lower GWP MDI propellants, the company announced. Kindeva says that it “will leverage the KTP to understand the physics involved in pharmaceutical spray generation, using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation of such propellants. The ultimate goal is to predict spray parameters and characteristics from first principles, such as regional deposition, droplet size, and velocity, which could enable Kindeva to use simulation techniques to design faster and more reliable low-GWP pharmaceutical products for its customers.”
The company notes that it developed the first CFC-free metered dose inhaler as well as the first CFC-free nasal MDI and has already been involved in work on lower GWP propellants. Kindeva’s announcement comes shortly after propellant maker Koura announced the launch of development services for MDIs using its Zephex 152a low-GWP propellant.
Kindeva CEO Aaron Mann commented, “The KTP with Loughborough University is exciting because it will strengthen Kindeva’s position as a leader in sustainability. Following the Montreal Protocol of 1989, Kindeva was a pioneer in leading the transition away from CFC-based inhalers. We have every intention of leading the industry in the development of the next generation of low-GWP propellants.”
Loughborough University Senior Lecturer Henk Versteeg said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Kindeva, who are leaders in the field of inhaled drug delivery and development of pressurized metered dose inhalers in Loughborough. The need to switch to propellants with lower global warming potential creates scientific challenges, but provides opportunities for us at Loughborough University to collaborate with Kindeva by sharing the latest insights in predictive engineering and to promote the adoption of digital engineering techniques in new product development.”
Read the Kindeva Drug Delivery press release.
