An in-vitro assessment of a NanoCrystal™ beclomethasone dipropionate colloidal dispersion via ultrasonic nebulization

Short duration ultrasonic nebulization of a concentrated NanoCrystal™ colloidal dispersion of beclomethasone dipropionate demonstrated an increased respirable fraction and decreased throat deposition when evaluated in an Andersen 8-stage cascade impactor in comparison to the commercially available propellant-based product Vanceril ®. An aqueous-based 1.25% w/w colloidal dispersion of beclomethasone dipropionate when aerosolized via an Omron NE-U03 ultrasonic nebulizer generated a respirable drug dose from 22.6 to 39.4 μg per 2 s actuation period, compared to 12.8 μg for a single actuation of Vanceril ®. When viewed as a percentage of the emitted dose (through the actuator or mouthpiece), the respirable fraction ranged from 56 to 72% for the nanocrystalline formulation versus 36% for the propellant system. In addition, the throat deposition as seen in the induction port was 9–10% of the emitted dose for the novel suspension, as compared to 53% for the commercial product. Thus, when used with the device outlined herein, a nanocrystalline colloidal suspension of beclomethasone dipropionate affords greater potential drug delivery to the conductive airways of the lung in both quantity and as a percent of emitted dose. Additionally, lower potential throat deposition values were observed which may retard the development of undesirable side effects, such as candidiasis, when compared to a propellant based delivery system. Lastly, the ability to atomize aqueous-based nanocrystalline colloidal dispersions represents an environmentally sound alternative to the current chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based products and may avoid the technical difficulties of reformulating with chlorine-free propellants.