3M Drug Delivery Systems Introduces No-Drip Nasal Inhaler

3M Drug Delivery Systems (St. Paul, MN) introduces the 3M Nasal Metered Dose Inhaler, a no-drip method of nasal drug delivery designed to drive patient preference. This new nasal inhaler has been shown through research to be patient preferred, with no post-nasal runoff, aftertaste or drip, giving pharmaceutical partners a novel and effective way to deliver inhaled corticosteroids for allergic rhinitis and other nasal treatments.

The use of aqueous pump sprays for allergic rhinitis has significant drawbacks for patients, as sprays that run back down the nose and drip down the throat are unpleasant both in sensation and taste, as well as unhygienic. These systems also have a short shelf life once opened.

The 3M Nasal MDI overcomes these limitations, however, with an evaporating spray technology that eliminates run-off, leaves no aftertaste and won’t irritate patients’ throats. This delivery method can also increase a drug’s shelf life, and gives patients confidence the drug has been effectively delivered. The device’s twist-and-lock cover cannot be misplaced, and its contemporary, non-breakable design makes it intuitive to use and improves hygiene.

In research, patients preferred the 3M Nasal MDI’s no-drip system and sleek design to aqueous pump sprays and other nasal MDI designs giving pharmaceutical companies an innovative way to differentiate their offerings. 3M is ready to perform initial feasibility studies combining partners’ treatments with this new device.

For pharmaceutical companies, the device can help deliver a valuable competitive advantage versus aqueous pump sprays. The system does not require an aseptic manufacturing environment, and is compatible with existing valves and the 3M Integrated Dose by Dose Counter, contributing to its cost-effectiveness. It also uses technology that is familiar to regulators, developed utilizing 3M’s more than 50 years in the MDI category. The 3M Nasal MDI offers pharmaceutical partners important life cycle management options for molecules coming off patent, as well as new molecules targeting nasal allergies.