Investigating the performance of hard shell capsules in Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)

Two-piece capsules are an established dosage form that can be used as part of dry powder inhaler (DPI) delivery systems. In DPIs they function as a single-dose container for a powdered drug. DPIs are typically used to treat pulmonary conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but are also used being developed for systemic delivery of peptides and protein drug candidates. Release of a powdered pharmaceutical formulation from a capsule that has been loaded in a DPI occurs in two distinct stages; the first is puncture of the capsule shell with sharpened pins or blades and the second is aerosolisation of the powdered medicament upon inspiration. This PhD studentship aims to improve our understanding of these processes and, more specifically, evaluate the influence of the capsule formulation on these events.

This is a collaborative project between the pharmaceutical industry (Qualicaps) and academic staff in the Schools of Pharmacy and Engineering at Cardiff University. The team has worked together previously to design and develop bespoke analytical methods to evaluate capsule properties and predict capsule performance in DPIs. This PhD project will use these established techniques to evaluate key characteristics of a range of commercial capsule formulations. Additionally, the PhD candidate will be given access to cutting edge analytical tools to design and develop innovative analytical methods to provide new insights into the performance of two-piece capsules in DPIs. This project benefits from close collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry and therefore the research is likely to have direct impact in the industrial setting.