WO2025056343A1

WO2025056343A1 - A dry-powder nasal inhaler comprising a casing with a first casing portion and a second casing portion

Info

Publication number: WO2025056343A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/074330
Authority: WO
Inventors: Orest Lastow; Simon KARLSSON; Max VIKLUND
Original assignee: Iconovo AB
Current assignee: Iconovo AB
Priority date: 2023-09-11
Filing date: 2024-08-30
Publication date: 2025-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-11

Abstract

A dry-powder inhaler (100) comprising a casing (101) with a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis (A) and two longitudinal ends (102, 103) is provided. The casing (101) comprises at least one outlet (104) and at least one inlet (105), with a central channel (106), communicating with the at least one outlet (104). A hinge arrangement (109) connects a first casing portion (107) and a second casing portion (108), whereby the dry-powder inhaler (100) is assembled by means of folding the first casing portion (107) and the second casing portion (108) together. The at least one inlet (105) is arranged laterally of the longitudinal axis (A) and a screen (113) is arranged between the at least one inlet (105) and the central channel (106), such that an inlet duct (114) is formed between the first casing portion (107), the second casing portion (108), and the screen (113), the inlet duct (114) extending longitudinally to an opening (115) connecting the inlet duct (114) and the central channel (106).

Description

A DRY-POWDER NASAL INHALER COMPRISING A CASING WITH A FIRST

CASING PORTION AND A SECOND CASING PORTION

Field of the Invention

This invention pertains in general to the field of medicament inhalers, and more particularly to dry powder inhalers. The inhaler comprises a casing comprising a first casing portion, a second casing portion and a hinge arrangement connecting said first casing portion and second casing portion, whereby the inhaler is assembled by means of folding the first casing portion and the second casing portion together.

Background of the Invention

In the pharmaceutical field, with respect to vaccine administration or treatment of respiratory and/or other diseases, inhalers have been widely used. Numerous drugs, vaccines, medications and other substances are inhaled into the lungs or into the nasal tract through nasal administration for rapid absorption in the blood stream and for local action at the site of administration. In some cases the drug is inhaled through the nose and deposited both in the nose and in the lungs for a combined administration to the entire respiratory tract.

Inhaled drugs fall into two main categories, in form of liquids, including suspensions, and powders. The choice of category depends on the characteristics of the drugs, medications, etc., to be inhaled.

The most common type of inhaler is the pressurized metered-dose inhaler. In this type of inhaler medication is most commonly stored in solution in a pressurized canister that contains a propellant, although it may also be a suspension. The canister is attached to a plastic, hand-operated actuator. On activation, the metered-dose inhaler releases a fixed dose of medication in aerosol form. Another kind of inhaler is a nebulizer, which supply medication as an aerosol created from an aqueous formulation.

The kind referred to herein is yet another type, in form of a dry powder inhaler. A dry powder inhaler releases a pre-metered, capsuled dose or a device-metered dose of powdered medication that is inhaled through the inhaler. Inhalers with device-metered dose of powdered medication is normally inhalers with medication reservoir, containing powdered medication, from which metered doses are withdrawn through the use of different dose metering arrangements, said doses then being inhaled.

Unit dose dry powder inhalers are commonly used in order to ensure the hygiene as well as the proper dose of medicament being provided to the user. Unit dose dry powder inhalers contain an encapsulated dose and are disposed of after the dose has been inhaled.

Further, said inhalers do not require any dose-meter arrangements since they only contain one dose which makes them considerably less expensive to manufacture due to their less complex design.

Due to their low cost and one-dosage functionality, the unit dose dry powder are usually manufactured in large volumes, often by means of injection molding.

To guarantee the function of the inhaler, said inhaler requires the provision of several components inside its casing, such as aluminum foils, flow directing elements for a more optimal de-aggregation etc. Furthermore, the reservoir for containing the dose of medicament has to be filled with the appropriate dose.

Hence, the casing of the unit dose dry powder inhalers are traditionally manufactured in at least two separate casing parts, whereby the casing parts are provided with the necessary components and dosage.

Due to the large production volumes usually associated with the production of such one dose dry powder inhalers the consequent joining and handling of the multiple casing parts makes the manufacturing and assembly considerably more complex as well as more expensive.

A known drawback with dry powder inhalers is that the device must be kept at a certain orientation, e.g. a horizontal orientation, during administration to prevent the powdered drug from becoming displaced inside the inhaler. This is especially an issue when nasal administration is a preferred administration route, since it is difficult for the user to place the inhalation nozzle in the nasal vestibule without turning or disorienting the inhaler.

In view of these drawbacks and limitations of the prior art, what is needed is a dry powder inhaler for nasal administration of a powdered drug or vaccine, which can be assembled and manufactured in a less complex and more cost-efficient manner, and which decreases the risk of medicament spilling out of the inhaler once the medicament cavity has been opened by removing a sealing foil or any other lidding or sealing feature. The latter is specifically relevant with regard to unit dose inhalers, since the medicament is free in the medicament cavity after foil removal and the re-orientation of the inhaler after foil removal is necessary during administration through the nasal cavity.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention preferably seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination and solves at least the above mentioned problems by providing a dry-powder inhaler comprising a casing with a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis and two longitudinal ends, the casing comprising: at least one inlet and at least one outlet, with a central channel, communicating with the at least one outlet; a first casing portion; a second casing portion; a hinge arrangement connecting said first casing portion and second casing portion; whereby the dry-powder inhaler is assembled by means of folding the first casing portion and the second casing portion together; whereby the casing comprises a cavity for receiving a dose foil, said cavity being adapted to contain a dry-powder medicament; whereby the first casing portion and second casing portion when folded together are adapted to form a slit for allowing the dose foil extending out from there, and whereby the at least one inlet arranged laterally of the longitudinal axis and a screen is arranged between the at least one inlet and the central channel, such that an inlet duct is formed between the first casing portion, the second casing portion, and the screen, the inlet duct extending longitudinally to an opening connecting the inlet duct and the central channel.

Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the appended and dependent patent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other aspects, features and advantages of which the invention is capable will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. l is a perspective view of an inhaler of one embodiment without a lidding foil and the casing unfolded;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section view of the inhaler of one embodiment without a lidding foil and the casing unfolded;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section view of the inhaler of one embodiment with a lidding foil and the casing folded;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal cross-section of the inhaler of one embodiment without a lidding foil and the casing folded;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the inhaler of one embodiment without a lidding foil and the casing unfolded;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section view of the inhaler of one embodiment without a lidding foil and the casing unfolded;

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal section view of the inhaler of one embodiment with a lidding foil and the casing folded; and

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross-section of the inhaler of one embodiment without a lidding foil and the casing folded.

Description of Embodiments The following description focuses on an embodiment of the present invention applicable to a medicament inhaler, and in particular a dry powder inhaler. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this application but may applied to many other inhalers having an inlet and an outlet, as well as a medicament reservoir.

Figs. 1 to 4 show a dry -powder inhaler 100, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The dry-powder inhaler 100 comprises a casing 101 with a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis A. The casing 101 forms the outer shape of the drypowder inhaler 100. At respective ends of the casing 101 there are two longitudinal ends 102, 103. One of the longitudinal ends may be referred to a first longitudinal end 102 or longitudinal distal end 102. The other of the longitudinal ends may be referred to as a second longitudinal end 103 or longitudinal proximal end 103. Distal and proximal do in this context refer to the relation with the user, whereby the proximal end 103 will be the end closest to the user, while the longitudinal distal end 102 will be located away from the user during inhalation.

At the proximal end zone, i.e. at the proximity of the proximal end 103, of the inhaler 100 an outlet 104 is arranged. The outlet 104 may be in the form of one single outlet 104 or a set of multiple outlets 104, such as holes in a mesh. The outlet 104 may be arranged at the proximal end 103, facing longitudinally, or it may be angled with an angle a in relation with the longitudinal axis A, such as extending transversally to the longitudinal axis A, as disclosed in Fig. 1.

The inhaler 100 comprises a set of inlets 105. It is also possible to provide the inhaler with only one inlet 105, as disclosed in the embodiment in Figs. 5 to 8, but a set of inlets 105 is preferred to decrease the risk of obstructing the inlet during use. The inlets 105 are arranged on the first casing portion 107.

Centrally of the inhaler 100 there is provided a central channel 106. The central channel 106 communicates with the outlet 104, such that air inhaled through the inlets 105 may flow into the central channel 106 through the inhaler 100 and further exit the inhaler 100 via the outlet 104.

The inhaler 100 comprises a first casing portion 107 and a second casing portion 108. The first casing portion 107 and the second casing portion 108 extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis A from the first end 102 to the second end 103. A hinge arrangement 109 connects the first casing portion 107 to the second casing portion 108. The inhaler 100 is assembled by means of folding the first casing portion 107 and the second casing portion 108 together. The first casing portion 107 comprises a cavity 110 for receiving a dose foil 111. The cavity 110 is adapted to contain a drypowder medicament. When the first casing portion 107 and second casing portion 108 are folded together a slit 112 is formed between them for allowing the dose foil 111 extending out there from.

The inlets 105 are arranged laterally of the longitudinal axis A. A screen 113 is arranged between the inlets 105 and the central channel 106. In this way an inlet duct 114 is formed between the first casing portion 107, the second casing portion 108, and the screen 113. The inlet duct 114 extends longitudinally to an opening 115 connecting the inlet duct 114 and the central channel 106. The set of inlets 105 are arranged aligned along the inlet duct 114 and the longitudinal axis A. When the inlets 105 are arranged laterally, the distal end of the inhaler 100 may be substantially closed, with the exception of the slit 112 allowing the foil 111 to exit the inhaler. In this way, the risk of the medicament spilling out of the inhaler 100 after removal of the foil 111 is drastically decreased. Instead, it is beneficial for the emptying of the inhaler 100 if the medicament actually exits the cavity 110 and is displaced distally to the position of the opening 115, but centrally of the opening 115, because then the inhaled air does not need to empty the cavity 110 but may carry the medicament linearly through the central channel 106. The turbulence created when the inhaled air bends around the screen 113, through the opening 115, also facilitates carrying the medicament through the central channel 106.

The cavity 110 is arranged in the central channel 106, down streams the opening 115. The opening 115 is arranged at the distal end zone of the inhaler 100, such that the inhaled air travels longitudinally and distally from the inlets 105 to the opening 115. When the inhaled air passes the opening 115 it turns approximately 180 degrees and travels longitudinally and proximally from the opening 115 through the channel 106. As the air travels longitudinally and proximally through the inhaler 100, the inhaled air passes the cavity 110 and thereafter exits the inhaler 100 through the outlet 104.

A set of inlets 105 may be arranged at each lateral side of the inhaler 100, such that a second set of inlets 105’ are arranged on the opposite lateral side from the first set of inlets 105. A second screen 113’ is correspondingly arranged between the second set of inlets 105’ and the central channel 106, forming a second inlet duct 114’ . The second inlet duct 114’ is configured so that it mirrors the function of the first inlet duct 114, i.e. inhaled air entering through the second set of inlets 105’ will travel longitudinally and distally through the second inlet duct 114’, passing a second opening 115’, where after the air turns approximately 180 degrees and travels longitudinally and proximally from the opening 115 through the channel 106. The second set of inlets 105’ are aligned with the extension of the second inlet duct 114’ and the longitudinal axis A, just as the first set of inlets 105 are aligned with the extension of the first inlet duct 114 and the longitudinal axis A.

The air streams from the inlet ducts 114 and 114’, respectively, are directed towards each other, whereby turbulence creates a vortex effect facilitating emptying of the medicament in the cavity 110. The openings 115 and 115’ may be placed somewhat displaced in relation to each other along the longitudinal axis, to create a whirl, which in turn may facilitate emptying of the cavity 110, depending on the medicament contained in the cavity 110. This means that one of the openings 115, 115’ is placed more distally than the other. Put in another way, one of the screens 113, 113’ ends proximally of the end of the other.

The cavity 110 is adapted to contain the dry-powder medicament (such as a drug or a vaccine substance). This may for example be achieved by means of the lidding foil 111 being heat sealed, i.e. welded, to the surrounding walls of the cavity 110 so as to seal away the cavity 110 from the rest of the inside of the casing 101 and protect the medicament from moisture. Thereby, the dry-powder medicament may be kept in place during transport and handling of the inhaler 100 without any risk for leakage of drypowder medicament through the inlets 105 and the outlet 104 of the casing 101.

By means of the hinge arrangement 109 the inhaler 100 may be assembled by folding the first casing portion 107 and the second casing portion 108 together. The first casing portion 107 and the second casing portion 108, when folded together, may thus be adapted to form the slit 112 and the outlet 104, allowing the lidding foil 111 extending out from the slit 112. The outlet 104 is configured for providing the medicament to the nasal tract of the user through nasal administration. As is conventional the user may thus operate the inhaler 100 by means of first removing the lidding foil 111 so as to expose the dry-powder medicament therein. The user may then inhale the medicament by nasal administration by placing the nozzle outlet 104 in the nasal vestibule and inhaling. Thus allowing for the dry-powder medicament to flow through the inlets 105, 105’, via the inlet ducts 114, 114’ and the central channel 106 of the inhaler 100 towards the user, whereby the inlets 105. 105’ allows air to enter the casing 101 and force the dry-powder medicament towards the outlet 8. The user may thus inhale the dry-powder medicament provided inside the cavity 110 of the casing 101 into his/her nasal vestibule and nasal tract, whereby the treatment is finished and the inhaler 100 may be disposed of.

When the outlet nozzle 104 extends transversally from the casing 101, the user does not need to turn the inhaler 100 during nasal administration. Hence, the casing 101 may be kept in a horizontal position while the user inserts the outlet 104 into the nasal vestibule. This prevents displacement of the powdered medicament inside the casing and facilitates a successful nasal inhalation where a maximum amount of the medicament is administered to the user.

The casing 101, which preferably may be in a plastic material such as PP or PE, may be manufactured by means of injection moulding. Due to the casing 101 being in one piece during at least the majority of the assembling due to the hinge arrangement 109 interconnecting the first casing portion 107 and the second casing portion 108 the transportation and assembly is made considerably less complex.

The hinge functionality 109 allows for the casing 101 to be transported and delivered in a simple manner since the casing portions 107, 108 may be connected prior to the insertion of the remaining components such as flow directing elements and lidding foils.

This is particularly advantageous due to the filling of the medicament and the sealing of said medicament inside the cavity 110 by means of the lidding foil 111 usually being performed at another location than the manufacturing of the casing 101. By connecting the casing portions 107, 108 prior to distribution to a site where filling and sealing medicament, the number of components to be handled during assembly and transport is reduced considerably, which allows for a more cost-efficient handling and transportation. Further, the interconnected casing portions 107, 108 allows for a much more user-friendly and cost-efficient final assembly and filling of medicament since the filling and sealing operation does not require any complex and time consuming joining operations to be performed. Instead, the casing 101 may just be folded together after being “loaded” with the dry-powder medicament.

The outlet 104 for nasal administration is also injection moulded in one piece together with the casing portions 107, 108 of the casing 101. Thereby, the entire casing may be manufactured in one production step which decreases the complexity and cost for assembling and manufacturing considerably compared to a conventional inhaler where the separate portions have to be handled separately and then mounted together.

In an alternative embodiment, the outlet 104 is arranged on a third casing portion 116, in accordance with Figs. 5 to 8. The third casing portion 116 may be connected to the first casing portion 107 through a second hinge arrangement 117. The third casing portion 116 is configured such that it will be arranged substantially transversal to the longitudinal axis A, when the first casing portion 107, the second casing portion 108, and the third casing portion 116 have been folded together, in accordance with Figs. 5 to 8. In this configuration the outlet 104 will be aligned with the longitudinal axis A. In this embodiment, the first casing portion 107, comprising the cavity 110, will be arranged in between the second casing portion 108 and the third casing portion 116, with the first hinge arrangement 109 arranged between the first casing portion 107 and the second casing portion 108 and the second hinge arrangement being arranged between the first casing portion 107 and the third casing portion 116. The third casing portion 116 is provided with a lumen 118, extending transversally through the third casing portion 116. When folding the first casing portion 107, the second casing portion 108, and the third casing portion 116 together, the lumen 118 will extend longitudinally, such that the longitudinal axis A coincides with the central axis of the lumen 118. The lumen may have a circular or rectangular cross shape, but rectangular cross shape is preferred to better close off the central channel 106 together with the screens 113, 113’. The screens 113, 113’ are then provided with fins 119, 119’ extending upwardly at the end of the first casing portion 107 directed towards the third casing portion 116. The fins 119, 119’ will, after folding the first casing portion 107, the second casing portion 108, and the third casing portion 116 together, ensure that the screens 113, 113’ fully closes the interaction between the first casing portion 107, the second casing portion 108, and the third casing portion 116, such that the inlet ducts 114, 114’ are closed off so that inhaled air through the inlets 105 have to travel distally to enter the central channel 106 through the openings 115, 115’. The third casing portion 116 is provided with at least one connection arm 120, such as one connection arm 120, 120’ on each lateral side of the third casing portion 116. The connection arms 120, 120’ extending in the same direction as the lumen 118. In this way, the connection arms 120, 120’ will extend towards to second casing portion 108 in a folded arrangement, and interact with a connection ridge 121 on the proximal inner side of the second casing portion 108. When folded together, the connection arms 120, 120’ will snap-fit with the ridge 121, such that the third casing portion 116 and the second casing portion 108 are held together. The connection arms 120, 120’ may also be arranged on the second casing portion 108, and then the corresponding ridge 121 is arranged on the third casing portion 116.

In the embodiment according to Figs. 5 to 8, the slit 112 is arranged in between the second casing portion 108 and the third casing portion 116. Hence, the foil 111 exits the inhaler 100 at the proximal end zone of the inhaler 100. In this way, the distal end can be fully closed, whereby the risk of medicament exiting the inhaler 100 after removal of the foil 111 is minimized. In this embodiment, with an outlet 104 being aligned with the longitudinal axis A, the inhaler 100 normally is rotated after removal of the foil 111 when administering the medicament into the nose, but with a closed distal end of the inhaler 100 the medicament ca hence not exit the inhaler 100. On the contrary, it is beneficial that the medicament exits the cavity 110 to fall distally to a medicament platform 122 adjacent the openings 115, 115’, such that withdrawal of the medicament is improved. The medicament platform 122 is arranged upstream and distally of the cavity 110. Due to the hinge arrangement 109 at the distal end 102, the distal end 102 is closed by a transversal end wall 123. The transversal end wall 123 is arranged distally of the medicament platform 122. The transversal end wall 123 prohibits medicament from falling out of the inhaler 100 once the foil 111 has been removed. The transversal end wall 123 is directed transversally to the longitudinal axis A.

The enablement of injection moulding of the entire casing in one piece further makes the casing far less susceptible for any tolerance errors since each cavity the casing is individual. Thereby, the casing portions only needs to fit with the other casing portions moulded in the same cavity. In a conventional injection moulding process where the casing portions are injection moulded separately each first casing portion needs to fit with each second casing portion, this may lead to several casing portions having to be disposed of due to tolerance errors disallowing proper assembling. Hence, the enablement of injection moulding the entire casing in one piece allows for a more cost-efficient and reliable manufacturing process.

The inhaler 100 may further comprise at least one but preferably a plurality of flow directing elements adapted to disaggregate the medicament. Hence, the inhaler 100 comprises the flow directing elements being disposed inside the casing 101 between the cavity 110 and the outlet 104 of the inhaler 100 when the inhaler 100 is in its folded configuration. In other words, the flow directing elements may be disposed downstream of the cavity 110 and upstream of the outlet 104 when the casing 101 is in a folded position. The provision of the flow directing elements allows for directing of the air flow straight through the inhaler 100, i.e. from the inlets 105 to the outlet 104 for the medicament which achieves a more laminar flow pattern of air. This allows for more air to pass through the entire inhaler 100 with a single inhale, whereby a lower aggregation of medicament is achieved, hence increasing the potential of the medicament to reach out far in the nasal tract of the patient. Additionally, the impinging effect on the air flow due to said flow directing elements causes the powder contained in the air flowing through the inhaler 100 during inhalation to collide with said flow directing elements and disperse even further, whereby an even lower aggregation may be achieved. Said flow directing elements may be integrated elements protruding from the first and/or second casing portion. With advantage, the flow directing elements may protrude from the first casing portion 107, i.e. the casing portion comprising the cavity 110. Due to the foldable design of the inhaler 100 a small gap is required between the flow directing elements and the casing portion which is not provided with said flow directing elements to ensure the ability to fold and interlocking of the casing portions 107, 108, 116. To optimise and maximise the disaggregation of the medicament, the flow directing elements are substantially drop shaped with their tapered end extending towards the outlet.

The first casing portion 107 is provided with connecting male knobs 124, extending towards the second casing portion in the folded state of the inhaler 100. The connecting male knobs 124 are, in a folded state, aligned with female knobs 125 on the second casing portion 108. In this context, the female knob 125 is a knob with a cavity adapted to retentionally interact with the protruding male knob 124, such that the first casing portion 107 may the retained in relation to the second casing portion 108.

In the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 1 the first casing portion 107 comprises a flow directing shoulder 126. The shoulder 126 is horseshoe shaped and extends upwardly from an interior surface of the first casing portion 107. When the casing 101 is in the folded state, the flow directing shoulder 126 will be positioned adjacent the periphery of the nozzle outlet 104, such that the medicament is directed upwards and into the tubular nozzle outlet 104. A sloped interior surface 127 of the flow directing shoulder 126 further contributed to the directing effect of the shoulder 126, such that the powder medicament easily flows into the tubular nozzle outlet 104. The flow directing shoulder 126 also prevents the powdered medicament from passing the outlet 104 without being directed into the nozzle outlet 104 and inhaled nasally by the user.

Referring to Fig. 2, exterior surfaces of the casing 101 of the inhaler 100 is shown in an unfolded position. The first casing portion 107 has the first longitudinal end 102 and the second longitudinal end 103, and the second casing portion 108 comprises the corresponding first longitudinal end 102’ and corresponding second longitudinal end 103’. The second longitudinal ends 103, 103’ are connected by means of the hinge arrangement 109.

The outlet 104, according to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4, is arranged at the second longitudinal end 103 of the second casing portion 108 and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The outlet nozzle 104 has a height sufficiently long to fit into the nasal vestibule of the user. The nozzle outlet 104 extends at the angle a relative the plane of the casing 101. In Fig. 2, the nozzle outlet 104 extends substantially perpendicularly, i.e. transversally, in relation to the longitudinal extension of the inhaler 100, from the second casing portion 108. However, as stated earlier, the outlet 104 may extend at an angle a of 50, 60, 70, or 80 degrees relative to the plane of the casing 101. Further, the outlet nozzle 104 is slight tapered, having a broader width adjacent to the second casing portion 108 and being less wide at its outer end. This shape facilitates the fitting of the nozzle 104 into the nasal vestibule of the user and makes the outlet nozzle 104 more comfortable for the user.

To seal the medicament inside the medicament reservoir, the dry-powder inhaler 100 may comprise a lidding foil 111 being removably attached to the first casing portion 107 to seal the cavity 110 adapted to contain a dry-powder medicament. The lidding foil 111 may preferably be made of aluminium, due to its advantageous sealing properties. With advantage, the lidding foil 111 may be removably attached to the first casing portion 107 by means of heat sealing. However, mechanical fastening means such as a clamp arrangement may be applicable as well.

In the embodiments according to Figs. 1 to 8, the backside of the first casing portion 107 is provided with ribs 128. In the embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 4, the ribs are arranged transversally to the longitudinal axis A. In the embodiment according to Figs. 5 to 8, the ribs 128 are arranged longitudinally along the longitudinal axis A adjacent to the at least one inlet 105. The ribs 128 decrease the risk of occluding the inlet 105 when holding the inhaler 100.

The present invention may further relate to a method for providing a dry-powder inhaler 100, whereby the method comprises providing a casing 101, the casing 101 comprising a first casing portion 107, a second casing portion 108 equipped with a nozzle outlet 104 and a hinge arrangement 109, connecting said first casing portion 107 and second casing portion 108, the first casing portion 107 and second casing portion 108 being adapted to, when folded together, form a slit 112 for allowing a lidding foil 111 extending out there from; the method further comprising assembling the inhaler 100 by means of folding the first casing portion 107 and second casing portion 108 together.

The method may also comprise connecting the first casing portion 107 and the second casing portion 108 by means of the hinge arrangement 109 so as to form the casing 101, prior to the folding of said casing 101. Alternatively, the method may comprise injection molding the casing 101 prior to the folding of said casing 101, whereby the first casing portion 107, the second casing portion 108 and the hinge arrangement 109 are integrated parts of said casing 101.

Although, the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims.

In the claims, the term “comprises/comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by e.g. a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms “a”, “an”, “first”, “second” etc. do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A dry-powder inhaler (100) comprising a casing (101) with a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis (A), said casing (101) having a distal end (102) and a proximal end (103), the casing (101) comprising: at least one outlet (104) and at least one inlet (105), and a central channel (106), communicating with the at least one outlet (104); a first casing portion (107); a second casing portion (108); a hinge arrangement (109) connecting said first casing portion (107) and second casing portion (108); whereby the dry-powder inhaler (100) is assembled by means of folding the first casing portion (107) and the second casing portion (108) together; whereby the casing (101) comprises a cavity (110) adapted to contain a dry-powder medicament; whereby, when the casing (101) is folded together, a slit (112) is formed for allowing a foil (111), covering the cavity (110), extending out there from, and whereby the at least one inlet (105) arranged laterally of the longitudinal axis (A) and a screen (113) is arranged between the at least one inlet (105) and the central channel (106), such that an inlet duct (114) is formed between the first casing portion (107), the second casing portion (108), and the screen (113), the inlet duct (114) extending longitudinally to an opening (115) connecting the inlet duct (114) and the central channel (106).

2. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inlet (105) is a set of inlets (105, 105’), and that at least two inlets (105) are arranged on opposite lateral ends of the casing (101).

3. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to claim 2, wherein a first set of inlets (105) are arranged on one side of the longitudinal axis (A) and a second set of inlets (105’) are arranged on the other side of the longitudinal axis (A).

4. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first set of inlets (105) is arranged aligned along the inlet duct (114) and the longitudinal axis (A), and wherein the second set of inlets (105’) is arranged aligned with a second inlet duct

(114’) on the other side of the longitudinal axis (A), laterally of a second screen (113’) arranged between the second set of inlets (105’) and the central channel (106).

5. The dry -powder inhaler (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet (104) is directed with an angle (a) in relation with the longitudinal axis (A), such as extending transversally to the longitudinal axis (A).

6. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one inlet (105, 105’) is arranged on the first casing portion (107).

7. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (110) is arranged in the central channel (106).

8. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity is arranged in the first casing portion (107), down streams the opening (115).

9. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (115) is arranged at the distal end zone of the inhaler (100), such that the inhaled air travels longitudinally and distally from the at least one inlet (105, 105’) to the opening (115), entering the central channel (106) to travel longitudinally and proximally from the opening (115) through the channel (106), passing the cavity (110) and thereafter exits through the at least one outlet (104).

10. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein a second opening (115’) is arranged at a distal end of the second screen (113’), and that the first opening (115) and the second opening (115’) are directed towards each other.

11. The dry -powder inhaler (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein a second opening (115’) is arranged at a distal end of the second screen (113’), and that the first opening (115) and the second opening (115’) are placed somewhat displaced in relation to each other along the longitudinal axis (A).

12. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a third casing portion (116), wherein the outlet (104) is arranged on the third casing portion (116).

13. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to claim 12, wherein the third casing portion (116) is connected to the first casing portion (107) through a second hinge arrangement (117).

14. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the third casing portion (116) is configured such that it will be arranged substantially transversal to the longitudinal axis (A), when the first casing portion (107), the second casing portion (108), and the third casing portion (116) are folded together.

15. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to claim 12, 13, or 14, wherein the outlet (104) is aligned with the longitudinal axis (A), when the first casing portion (107), the second casing portion (108), and the third casing portion (116) are folded together.

16. The dry-powder inhaler (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the third casing portion (116) is provided with at least one connection arm (120), wherein the connection arm (120) extends towards to second casing portion (108) in a folded arrangement, and interact with a connection ridge (121) on the proximal inner side of the second casing portion (108).