Inhalable drugs deliver medication directly to the lungs through the use of an inhaler or nebulizer. This direct delivery method allows for higher concentrations of drug to reach the lungs while using smaller dosages compared to other delivery methods. Inhalable drugs can provide medicine more rapidly than oral medications which must pass through the digestive system first. New developments in inhalable drug technology are opening up treatment options for various conditions.
Asthma and COPD Treatments
Many common treatments for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) currently use Inhalable Drugs to open up airways and make breathing easier. Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are widely used to deliver medications like albuterol, glucocorticoids, and long-acting bronchodilators directly to the lungs. Inhaled corticosteroids are very effective for controlling asthma symptoms and reducing future risk of exacerbations. For COPD, long-acting bronchodilators via inhalers have been shown to improve lung function and quality of life. Combination inhalers containing two drugs are becoming more prevalent for their convenience and effectiveness.
Cystic Fibrosis Therapy Advances
New therapies are showing promise for treating the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis, not just symptoms. Vertex Pharmaceuticals' triple therapy of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, delivered via inhalation, significantly improved lung function for patients with the most common cystic fibrosis mutation. This marked a major milestone as the first drug to target the defective protein, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). More CFTR modulator therapies in development could eventually help many more cystic fibrosis patients. Sustained improvements in lung function would benefit patients' long-term health outlooks.
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