DE202012011884U1 - Device for nebulizing a drug - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for nebulising a medicament fluid, comprising a) energy source b) control element c) reservoir containing the medicament fluid, d) transport unit containing oscillation generator, e) nebulizing element, f) optionally extension piece and g) mouthpiece.

Description

The present invention relates to a device which is suitable for aerosolizing fluid. In particular, this invention relates to a device by means of which a medicament fluid can be aerosolized in order in this way to make it accessible to a patient.

In general, nebulization of fluids is used to break the fluid into very fine droplets, which are then present in a gas, such as air, to form a mist. Frequently, a mist containing finely divided droplets of the fluid is better suited for certain applications than the fluid itself. For example, the atomization of water achieves greater humidification than simply providing the same amount of water.

Special importance is attached to nebulization in the medical field. For example, the intake of a drug in solid form can be made available to a patient via an inhaler, for example. For this purpose, the solid drug must first be brought into solution or suspension before it is suitable for nebulization by the patient after nebulization. This is particularly true for drugs that are to enter the respiratory tract and therefore are not accessible via the intake of, for example, a tablet.

For example, a nebulizer from PARI GmbH is known (eFlow ^® rapid), which is used in particular for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Here, a liquid or dissolved drug is aerosolized using a perforated vibrating membrane. However, this device is quite large and connected via a cable with its control unit and the power supply and thus only very limited transportable.

Often, however, a regular inhalation therapy with repeated drug administration daily is needed for the treatment of diseases, as this a more even drug concentration in the body is achieved.

As people today are very mobile, there is a great need for an inhalation device that can be taken everywhere without a lot of accessories and without problems, so that the regular inhalation of the required drug can be ensured at any place.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the above problems. The object of the present invention was therefore to provide a device for nebulization of drug fluid ready that easily provides a multiple daily intake of drugs and can be used without much effort, for example, at work, at school or while traveling, without to take a lot of equipment and accessories.

Furthermore, the device should be compact and unobtrusive.

Furthermore, it was an object of the invention to provide a nebulizer whose energy source is independent of direct access to the mains.

The objects have been achieved according to the invention by a device comprising an energy source, a control element, a reservoir containing the medicament fluid, a transport unit containing a vibration generator, a nebulization element, optionally an extension piece and a mouthpiece.

• a) Energiequelle
• b) Steuerelement
• c) Reservoir, welches das Arzneimittelfluid enthält,
• d) Transporteinheit enthaltend Schwingungsgenerator,
• e) Vernebelungselement,
• f) gegebenenfalls Verlängerungsstück und
• g) gegebenenfalls Mundstück.

Thus, an object of this invention is a device for nebulizing drug fluid

• a) energy source
• b) control
• c) reservoir containing the drug fluid,
• d) transport unit containing vibration generator,
• e) misting element,
• f) if necessary extension piece and
• g) if necessary mouthpiece.

It could be found that the device according to the invention is easily transportable by its compact shape and can be carried, for example, in a jacket or shirt pocket, which despite their small size can provide a several times a day needed nebulization of drugs. Furthermore, this multiple performed nebulization can be provided without always having to have direct access to the power grid.

The drug fluid may contain a liquid or solid drug. In case the drug is in a solid form, it must be dissolved in a solvent before fogging.

The present device for nebulizing a drug fluid can be used to treat diseases. Diseases that can be treated, for example, are cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, diabetes, depression, Parkinson's and infections.

In a preferred embodiment, the drug is selected from the following acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, acne agents, analgesics, antiphlogistics, antiadipositas, antiarrhythmics, antidementia drugs, antibiotics, antidepressants, antidiabetic agents, antiepileptics, antihypertensives, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antifungals, antiparkinson agents, antiprotozoics, antipsoriatics, antipsychotics , Antirheumatics, aldosterone antagonists, alcohol weaning agents, agents for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia, agents for the treatment of HIV, agents for the treatment of prostate CA, agents for the treatment of incipient prostate hyperplasia, agents for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, biphosphonates, cannabinoids, cholesterol absorption inhibitors , COX-1 and / or COX-2 inhibitor, diuretics, endothelin receptor antagonist, glucocorticoids, hormones, H2 receptor antagonists, immunomodulators, immunosuppressants, incontinence agents, contraceptives, coronary agents, lipase inhibitors, lipid depressants, Ma anti-intestinal agents, antimalarials, mucolytics, multikinase inhibitors, muscle relaxants, neuroleptics, osteoporosis agents, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, renin inhibitors, sedatives, spasmolytics, sympathomimetics, thrombin inhibitors, triptans, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antivirals, vitamins and / or cytostatics.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drug is a drug for the treatment of respiratory diseases.

Possible respiratory diseases are, for example, asthma, respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, COPD, common cold, allergies such as pollen allergy and animal allergies, whooping cough, pseudo-croup, pulmonary emphysema, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary edema, pharyngitis, pleural aggression, pneumonia, SARS, sarcoidosis and tuberculosis.

Alternatively, however, the drug may also be a drug for the treatment of metabolic diseases, such as mucoviscidosis.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drug is selected from antiasthmatics, antibiotics, anticholinergics, antihistamines / antiallergics, antifungals, β-2 agonists, glucocorticoids, hormones such as steroid hormones, immunosuppressants, mucolytics, spasmolytics, sympatomimetics, antivirals and vitamins, most preferably fat-soluble vitamins ,

In a further preferred embodiment, the drug is in an amount of 0.001 to 1000 mg, preferably 0.005 to 500 mg, more preferably 0.01 to 250 mg, even more preferably 0.5 to 125 mg, especially 1 to 75 mg in the reservoir in front.

The drug may preferably be dissolved in a solvent. This applies both to a drug which is in liquid form and to a drug in solid form.

If the drug is in liquid form, preferably enough solvent may be added to provide a suitable amount of fluid for nebulisation.

In the event that the drug is in solid form, this is dissolved by the addition of solvent at 25 ° C, preferably completely dissolved.

Suitable solvents are usually all liquid compounds which can dissolve the drug. Preferably, the solvents have a boiling point which is between 20 and 250 ° C, preferably between 40 and 200 ° C, more preferably between 60 and 130 ° C.

Since solvent can also be taken up during inhalation in addition to the medicament, the solvent should preferably be compatible with the organism. Suitable solvents are preferably alcohol, preferably ethanol, water, aqueous solutions and mixtures thereof.

If alcohol, preferably ethanol, is used as solvent, this is preferably used in a mixture with water used in a ratio of alcohol to water of 3: 1 to 1: 4.

As the solvent, water can be used with particular preference. The water can easily dissolve the active ingredients of the drug, which are often used as salt, and can be nebulised without any problems. Furthermore, it is harmless in the amounts used for the organism.

As an alternative particularly preferred solvent, an aqueous sodium chloride solution can be used. The sodium chloride solution may preferably have an osmolality of from 250 to 380 mosmol / kg, more preferably from 280 to 330 mosmol / kg, even more preferably from 300 to 315 mosmol / kg, especially 308 mosmol / kg. Using osmolality, the number of particles of osmotically active substances per kilogram of solvent is given. In general, it can be said that the solvent (water) diffuses from regions of low osmolality into regions of higher osmolality until equilibrium is reached. A sodium chloride solution with the above-mentioned osmolality is characterized by the fact that there is no significant fluid shifts between the intracellular and extracellular spaces, which are thus harmless to the organism.

The determination of osmolality is made by means of an osmometer according to the method used in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur., 4th ed., Basic text 2002, 2.2.35 Osmolality) is described.

The energy source a) is preferably an accumulator which supplies the device according to the invention with electrical energy. Particularly preferably, the accumulator is a lithium-ion accumulator. The accumulator may preferably be cuboid or cylindrical, preferably cylindrical. The energy source in a preferred embodiment may have a length of 0.5 to 7.0 cm, more preferably 0.7 to 6.0 cm, even more preferably 1.0 to 5.0 cm, especially 2.0 to 4.5 cm. In the case of a cylindrical energy source, the round base may have a diameter of preferably 0.2 to 1.5 cm, more preferably 0.3 to 1.3 cm, even more preferably 0.4 to 1.1 cm, especially 0.5 to 1.0 cm. In the case of a cylindrical energy source, the base area is preferably square and a side length may preferably be 0.2 to 1.5 cm, more preferably 0.3 to 1.3 cm, still more preferably 0.4 to 1.1 cm, especially 0.5 to 1.0 cm. For charging, the accumulator preferably has a USB port, so that the accumulator can be charged not only in a charger, but also preferably at any suitable USB port, such as on a computer. The possibility of locally flexible charging of the accumulator eliminates the need to transport the charger required for charging the accumulator together with the fogging device.

Alternatively, a battery can be used as an energy source.

The control b) is preferably attached directly to the accumulator, wherein it is preferably located in a shell to be protected from damage. Preferably, the control is connected via USB port to the accumulator.

By the control, the nebulization of the drug fluid can be controlled at the nebulizer. Thus, the control may preferably include control electronics with the associated trigger, preferably in the form of a switch. Thus, preferably, by closing a circuit, preferably by actuating the associated trigger, more preferably the switch, the process of nebulization of the drug lantern can be triggered.

In a preferred embodiment, the control further includes a mechanism which informs about the state of charge of the power source. This mechanism may be a device that makes the state of charge of the power source available to the user, for example, in a visual or audible manner. Thus, the user can particularly preferably be indicated by the illumination of differently colored lamps, preferably LED lamps, whether the energy source can still provide enough energy for a nebulization of a sufficient amount of drug fluid for the treatment. In this way it can be ensured that the entire required amount of drug fluid can be nebulized and thus made accessible to the patient. Optionally, the energy source, preferably the accumulator, must be charged up to a state of charge prior to the next nebulization at which sufficient energy can be provided for nebulising the required amount of drug.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a timing device may preferably be incorporated in the control. This time measuring device can preferably be designed so that it can trigger an alarm at certain times. A suitable alarm may be for example a vibration alarm, an acoustic or optical signal, preferably a vibration alarm or an acoustic signal, in particular a vibration alarm. The alarm allows a user to be unobtrusively alerted to the time of a required drug intake. This may be particularly beneficial in a therapy in which a repeated daily use of drugs is required to ensure a constant drug content in the body. Thus, it may be advantageous, inter alia, when taking antibiotics, as a regular application (inhalation) is necessary, for example, to avoid immunization of the body to the drug.

Furthermore, with the aid of the control, it is preferable to regulate the amount of the active ingredient to be inhaled per application. So can be addressed advantageously to the needs of the user.

Preferably, a watertight wall may be located between the control element and the device part.

The control may in a preferred embodiment have a length of 0.7 to 10.0 cm, more preferably 1.0 to 8.5 cm, even more preferably 1.4 to 7.0 cm, in particular 2.6 to 6.0 cm.

In a preferred embodiment, the control element is cylindrical and preferably has a round base having a diameter of preferably 0.2 to 1.5 cm, more preferably 0.3 to 1.3 cm, even more preferably 0.4 to 1.1 cm, in particular 0.5 to 1.0 cm, so that it can be connected without any protrusion with the energy source. The reservoir c) containing the drug fluid may preferably be in the form of a cartridge and preferably constructed similar to an ink cartridge in a fountain pen.

The reservoir may preferably be made of a water-insoluble and / or flexible material. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir can be made of a plastic. Suitable plastics are, for example, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), acrylontrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polyamides (PA) polymethyl (meth) acrylate, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), celluloid and silicones (polysiloxanes). Preference is given to polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and silicones (polysiloxanes), particularly preferably silicones (polysiloxanes).

In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir may be provided with a thin termination at the front. When the pressure is exerted, this end should be able to be penetrated by the tip of a puncturing device, preferably a prick, so that the medicament fluid contained in the reservoir can leave the reservoir and be supplied to the atomization.

The reservoir may preferably be at the thickest point 0.2 to 2 cm, preferably 0.3 to 1.8 cm, more preferably 0.35 to 1.5 cm, in particular 0.4 to 1.2 cm thick. The length of the reservoir may preferably be 2 to 10 cm, preferably 2.5 to 9.5 cm, more preferably 3.0 to 8.8 cm, in particular 3.2 to 7.9 cm. By said size of the reservoir, an advantageously small size of the fogging device and thus its advantageous portability can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir containing the drug fluid comprises at least one chamber.

Many drugs are not sold as finished drug fluid, but, for example, in solid form. Preferably, the reservoir contains two chambers. Preferably, an arrangement of the chambers, in which an outer chamber encloses an inner chamber, preferably completely encloses.

Preferably, in the inner chamber may be a liquid phase, preferably the solvent, more preferably the aqueous sodium chloride solution having an osmolality of 300 to 315 mosmol / kg, in particular 308 mosmol / kg. The walls of the inner chamber are preferably made of a water-insoluble material, preferably of thin plastic, such as polyethylene. The inner chamber may preferably be burst under slight pressure.

Preferably, a solid phase, preferably the drug, may be in the outer chamber. The walls of the outer chamber are preferably made of a water-insoluble material. The outer chamber may preferably not be burst under light pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the outer chamber is formed by the walls of the reservoir.

By exerting slight pressure, preferably only the inner chamber can be made to burst, whereby after bursting, the solid phase can dissolve in the liquid phase, preferably completely dissolve. Preferably, the reservoir may still be vigorously agitated, preferably shaken, to complete the formation of the drug fluid.

By means of the piercing device, the medicament fluid can preferably be passed directly into the transport unit d) comprising a vibration generator.

The transport unit is used to direct the drug fluid from the reservoir preferably in the direction of the nebulization element. This can preferably be achieved by the preferred shaping of the transport device. Furthermore, the medicament fluid conducted by the transport device can be excited by the vibration generator contained in the transport device. The drug fluid already excited in this way can then be transferred into an aerosolized (aerosolized) form after passing through the transport unit with the aid of the nebulizing element.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport unit (d) has a first section which can be excited by means of a first oscillation generator and optionally a non-excitable second section. The piercing device, through which the medicament fluid is supplied to the transport unit, is preferably arranged so that the medicament fluid can first be passed into the first section which can be excited by means of a first oscillation generator. Preferably, the piercing device is provided with a check valve, so that the drug fluid can be directed only in the direction of the transport unit and not back to the reservoir.

Preferably, the transport unit is closed in the transport direction of the drug fluid from the nebulization element (e). The nebulization element terminating the transport unit is preferably fastened to the transport unit. This attachment may preferably be a mechanical attachment. Suitable fasteners are, for example, a bond, a weld or a screw. An attachment via a screw connection is particularly preferred since it can be loosened again if necessary.

The first section of the transport unit can be excited by a first oscillation generator with a frequency of 20 kHz to 1 MHz, preferably from 30 kHz to 500 kHz, more preferably from 40 kHz to 280 kHz, in particular from 45 kHz to 200 kHz. The first vibration generator may preferably be an ultrasonic generator. The vibrations are preferably generated by piezoceramic elements, which convert electrical vibrations into mechanical vibrations. The generated vibrations are preferably transmitted from the vibration generator to the transport unit. From the transport unit, the vibrations can then also be transferred to the substance located in the transport unit interior, preferably the medicament fluid. The transmission of the vibration can lead to the formation of capillary waves in the drug fluid, which can rise exponentially with increasing excitation frequency. At a certain excitation frequency, drops of the drug fluid having a certain diameter can be formed from the drug fluid. The droplet diameter may be dependent on the excitation frequency, the density and the surface tension of the fluid. The droplets of drug produced can preferably be aerosolized or aerosolized by passing the nebulizing element.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosolized medicament fluid particles have an MMAD of from 0.1 to 20 μm, preferably from 0.25 to 10 μm, preferably from 0.5 to 8 μm, more preferably from 1 to 7 μm, in particular from 2 to 5 μm, on. The mass-median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) is of great importance for inhalation therapy as it depends on the behavior of the particles in an air flow. The MMAD is determined using the Andersen Cascade Impactor. Alternatively, however, a determination by means of laser diffraction is possible in the case of the aqueous aerosolized particles.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport unit does not comprise a non-excitable second section. In this case, between the transport unit and the nebulization element still preferably an intermediate piece, preferably made of an elastic, non-electric current conductive plastic can be used. In this way, the nebulizing element is electrically and also vibration-isolated from the excitable first section.

Alternatively preferably, the transport unit comprises a non-excitable second section. Thus, the nebulizing unit may preferably be mounted directly to transport unit via the above-described fasteners. The non-energizable second portion may in this case be used as an electrically and vibration isolating member.

Preferably, the inner diameter of the transport unit on the side of the reservoir may be smaller than the inner diameter of the transport unit at the point at which the transport unit is closed by the nebulization element.

It is further preferred that the diameter of the transport unit in the direction of the nebulization element is continuously larger. Thus, the transport unit can preferably be regarded as a tube (pylon) which widens towards the nebulizing element. Preferably, the drug fluid can be introduced via a piercing device on the pointed side of the interior of the transport unit (pylon). The interior of the transport unit is thus preferably shaped to open towards the nebulization element, so that the medicament fluid can preferably move in the direction of the nebulization element. After passing through the nebulization element, which preferably terminates the transport device on the wide side of the transport unit (the pylon), the drug fluid is then present in atomized form.

Preferably, the ratio of the inner diameter of the transport unit on the narrow side to the inner diameter of the transport unit on the wide side may be 1,000: 1,001 to 1,000: 1,500, preferably 1,000: 1,001 to 1,000: 1,400, more preferably 1,000: 1,001 to 1,000: 1.2500, more preferably 1.000: 1.001 to 1.000: 1.150, especially 1.000: 1.001 to 1.000: 1.100.

Further preferably, the inner diameter of the transport unit at the widest point is not greater than the diameter of the nebulization element. In particular, the diameter of the nebulization element is preferably 1 to 25%, preferably 2 to 22%, more preferably 3 to 18%, in particular 4 to 15% greater than the inner diameter of the transport unit. In this way it can be ensured that at the end of the application preferably no residual amount of drug fluid in the device, in particular in the transport unit, remains.

The nebulization element (e) may preferably be a porous surface object which is permeable exclusively to particles, preferably drops, of a certain size. If larger particles hit the nebulizer, they will be held back by it. Alternatively and preferably, the larger particles are comminuted by the nebulizing element into particles having a size, with which a passage through the nebulizing element is achieved. For this purpose, the particles can preferably be pressed from the transport device side onto the nebulizing element, whereupon they are broken up into smaller particles. Alternatively, the larger particles may also be sucked by the suction preferably from the direction of the inhaler to the nebulization element and aerosolized there by the nebulization element. A combination of both alternatives is possible and preferred.

The nebulizing element may be a net, a grid or a membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the nebulizing element may be a membrane.

Because the nebulizing element contacts a preferably aqueous drug fluid, it should preferably be constructed of materials that are inert to water. Suitable materials for a nebulizing element are, for example, ceramics, water-insoluble plastics and steel.

In a preferred embodiment, the nebulizing element may for example consist of a ceramic net.

It is particularly preferred that the nebulization element is a steel membrane. A steel membrane is usually a perforated foil made of steel. The pores of the steel membrane preferably have a diameter of 0.5 to 15 .mu.m, preferably from 0.7 to 12 .mu.m, more preferably from 0.9 to 10 .mu.m, in particular from 1.0 to 7.5 .mu.m.

In a preferred embodiment, the nebulization element can be excited by a second vibration generator.

The nebulizing element, preferably the membrane, can be excited by a second oscillation generator at a frequency of 20 kHz to 1 MHz, preferably from 30 kHz to 500 kHz, more preferably from 40 kHz to 280 kHz, in particular from 45 kHz to 200 kHz. The first vibration generator may preferably be an ultrasonic generator. The vibrations are preferably generated by piezoceramic elements which convert electrical vibrations into mechanical ones. The vibrations generated are preferably transmitted to the nebulizing element. In a preferred embodiment, the nebulizing element is a membrane which is excited by the vibrations of the second vibration generator.

The excitation of the transport unit and the excitation of the nebulization element can be carried out with different frequencies or with the same frequency. Preferably, an excitation of transport unit and nebulization element can be carried out with the same frequency.

In a preferred embodiment, the excitation of the transport unit by the first vibration generator and the excitation of the nebulization element by the second vibration generator can be performed out of phase. Particularly preferred transport unit and nebulizer are excited with the same frequency and a phase shift of 180 °.

As a result of the vibrations emanating from the first vibration generator, a section of the transport unit and therefore also the medicament fluid contained therein can be excited so that the medicament fluid changes into a drop-shaped state. The excitation and the special shape of the interior of the transport unit (pylon) creates a kind of suction in the direction of the nebulization element. There, then, the stimulated drug on the preferred also by the second vibration generator vibrated nebulization element, which is preferably phase-shifted, more preferably phase-shifted by 180 ° C, excited. Upon impact of the stimulated drug fluid on the preferably counteracted nebulizer, the fluid may be further aerosolized to achieve the appropriate droplet size of the drug fluid for use. In addition, due to the increasing effect of the drug fluid already excited via the first vibration generator and the nebulization element excited by the second vibration generator, advantageously little energy can be expended.

In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention may comprise an extension piece (f). This extension piece may preferably be attached subsequently to the nebulization element. It may preferably have an air inlet at the top, which preferably has a check valve, so that although air from the outside can enter the chamber, but no nebulized drug fluid uncontrolled can escape. The air inlet may preferably prevent the build-up of a possible negative pressure in the device according to the invention. Furthermore, the air inlet may preferably ensure easier inhalation of the aerosolized drug substance. The preferably provided with the air inlet extension piece may preferably be connected via a screw with the transport unit / nebulizer. As a result of the preferred attachment of the extension piece behind the nebulization element, additional turbulence of the (nebulised) medicament fluid can be advantageously prevented, which makes it easy to transfer the aerosolized medicament fluid to the mouthpiece (g) and subsequently also to the user.

The optional mouthpiece allows the user to absorb the aerosolized drug. The mouthpiece may preferably be transported separately and may preferably be attached to the rest of the device as needed. The mouthpiece has a length of preferably 2.0 to 8 cm, more preferably 2.2 to 7.5 cm, even more preferably 2.4 to 5.2, in particular 2.5 to 4.0 cm. The mouthpiece may preferably have an outlet on the mouth side, through which the aerosolized drug fluid can be inhaled. This exit is 0.5 to 3 cm, preferably 0.6 to 2.5 cm, more preferably 0.7 to 2 cm, in particular 0.8 to 1.5 cm wide. In addition, the mouthpiece may preferably have an opening on the top for the air during exhalation. A means may preferably be attached to this opening which prevents air from entering the device according to the invention through said opening, which could exert a negative influence on the aerosolized drug fluid. Such a means could for example be a check valve or a semi-permeable membrane.

The mouthpiece is preferably made of a water-resistant material. Suitable materials include plastics such as bakelite.

In a preferred embodiment, a system can be arranged between the mouthpiece and the extension piece, which prevents components of the device according to the invention, such as nebulizing element and / or transport unit, from being attacked by pathogens, such as bacteria, which the user exhales when exhaling.

In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention may have a cap (h). This cap can protect the device according to the invention, in particular the mouthpiece, from contamination and attack by pathogens. In addition, it gives the present device a compact and attractive overall impression.

A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized by the 1 illustrated. In 1 mean

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Energy source (a)

2

Control (b)

3

Reservoir (c) containing the drug fluid

4

Transport unit (d) containing a vibration generator

4a

Misting element (s)

5

Extension piece (f)

6

Mouthpiece (g)

7

Cap (h)

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur., 4th ed., Grundwerk 2002, 2.2.35 Osmolality) [0029]

Claims (18)

Apparatus for nebulizing a drug fluid comprising a) energy source b) control c) reservoir containing the drug fluid, d) transport unit containing vibration generator, e) misting element, f) if necessary extension piece and g) Mouthpiece. The device of claim 1, wherein the drug contained in the drug fluid is a drug for the treatment of respiratory disease. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the drug is selected from antiasthmatics, antibiotics, anticholinergics, antihistamines / antiallergics, antifungals, β-2 agonists, glucocorticoids, hormones such as steroid hormones, immunosuppressants, mucolytics, spasmolytics, sympatomimetics, antivirals and vitamins. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drug is contained in the reservoir in an amount of 0.005 to 500 mg. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drug is dissolved in a solvent. The device of claim 5, wherein the solvent is an aqueous sodium chloride solution. The device of claim 6, wherein the aqueous sodium chloride solution has an osmolality of 280 to 330 mosmol / kg. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy source is an accumulator. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir containing the drug fluid comprises at least one chamber. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport unit includes a stimulable with a first vibration generator portion and optionally a non-excitable second portion. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport unit is completed in the transport direction of the drug fluid from the nebulization element. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner diameter of the transport unit on the side of the reservoir is smaller than the inner diameter of the transport unit at the point at which the transport unit is closed by the nebulization element. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the inner diameter of the transport unit in the direction of the nebulization element is continuously larger. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nebulizing element is a membrane. The device of claim 14, wherein the membrane is a steel membrane. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nebulizing element can be excited by a second vibration generator. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the excitation of the transport unit by the first vibration generator and the excitation of the nebulization element by the second vibration generator is performed out of phase. Drug-containing aerosol particles having an MMAD of 0.5 to 10 microns, wherein the aerosol particles are obtainable by nebulization of a drug fluid with a device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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