U.S. Emerging Pulmonary Drug Delivery Technologies Markets

The development of path breaking, non-invasive, pulmonary drug delivery technologies such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)-free metered dose inhalers (MDI), dry powder inhalers (DPI), and liquid-based inhalers (LBIs) invites many companies to enter the lucrative market, intensifying competition. The introduction of portable nebulizers will also offer revenue opportunities. Emergent pulmonary drug delivery technologies are competing to develop a simple and affordable device allowing for multiple dosage, consistent drug delivery, and high lung penetration. Design innovations have reduced the size of the device considerably, thereby increasing patient convenience.

This Frost & Sullivan research examines the U.S. Emerging Pulmonary Drug Delivery Technologies Markets. The report is segmented into Non-CFC MDI market, DPI market, and liquid-based inhalers market. The market has been sub-segmented by therapeutic area. Detailed patient and revenue forecasts have been provided for each product category and application.

Dubious FDA Stance Raises Product Approval Anxiety

"The growth in the number of patients, increasing cost of therapy, and expanding applications are the major factors that are expected to drive the growth," says the author of this research. However, the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) rigorous product approval process poses a challenge to the market participants. Companies will find it difficult to crystallize introduction time lines unless there is a strong indication from the FDA. Also, as the phasing out of the CFC containing MDIs gain momentum, the FDA will play an extremely critical role in shaping the pulmonary drug delivery market. FDA's agenda will have a significant bearing on the success of a particular technology.

Phasing out of the Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS) Containing Products Presents Tremendous Growth Opportunity for Emerging Technologies

Growing environmental concern regarding the use of CFC containing products following the Montreal Protocol has limited the prospects of MDIs that are being fast replaced by non-CFC based MDIs and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). A majority of non-CFC based MDIs use hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) as a propellant. However, it is not easy to formulate drugs using HFAs, and therefore, the transition from the CFC-based MDIs is benefiting the DPIs more than the non-CFC MDIs.

Extensive research to develop non-invasive technologies as an alternative to injectable drugs in chronic diseases has resulted in the development of pulmonary drug delivery devices for diabetes, cancer, and migraine. The applications of pulmonary drug delivery are expected to further expand to many more therapeutic areas in the next few years.