Estimation of Particle Deposition in the Airways from Different Inhaler Formulations Using an In Silico Model

Abstract

The objective of these studies was to evaluate the use of an in silico model for predicting lung deposition of inhaled therapeutic aerosols. A range of input data derived from our own in vitro data and published clinical studies was utilized. The in silico model ran simulations for these propellant driven metered dose inhaler formulations across a range of conditions. Firstly, a range of pressurized metered dose inhaler formulations were evaluated in the in silico model and compared to the in vitro aerosol performance data. Limitations of using in vitro cascade impaction data were observed. Then, using in vivo data from healthy human subjects using metered dose inhalers, lung deposition profiles were compared with the in silico model predictions. Despite differences in oropharyngeal deposition the model predicted lung deposition accurately. We conclude that the in silico model can be applied to various conditions for particulate based inhalation aerosol systems.