Novartis Ag

Nektar Therapeutics

Herman E Snyder

Christopher M Varga

Michael J Vosberg

James Nasiatka

Robert M Platz

Adrian Edward Smith

Carlos A Schuler

John D Burr

George S Axford

Thomas K Brewer

David B Bennett

Randy Kent Hall

Charles Ray

A method and apparatus are provided for atomizing a liquid under dispersal conditions suitable for spray drying at a commercial plant scale. In one embodiment, a liquid atomizer has a structural body adapted for connection with a spray dryer and a plurality of atomizing nozzles. Each of the atomizing nozzles includes a liquid nozzle adapted to disperse a supply of liquid and a gas nozzle adapted to disperse a supply of gas. In another embodiment, a process for producing a powder blend of at least two target substances in a single processing step is provided.

Spray drying methods and related compositions

A method of forming droplets comprises flowing a liquid through a channel; spreading the liquid into a thin film in the channel; and impinging the thin film with a flowing gas to atomize the liquid into droplets. The droplets may then be dried to produce dried particles, such as particles comprising a pharmaceutical active agent. The droplets formed by the disclosed process have improved size and/or size distribution characteristics.

Prefilming atomizer

The present invention provides exemplary systems and methods for producing dry powder formulations. In one embodiment, a system () includes at least one conditioning zone () having an inlet () to introduce an atomized formulation () into the conditioning zone. A controller () controls temperature and relative humidity of the airflow into the conditioning zone to allow amorphous-to-crystalline transformation of the atomized formulation. In another embodiment, the formulation is suspended in the conditioning zone for a residence time of sufficient duration to allow surface orientation of surface active components. A dryer () is coupled to the conditioning zone to dry the atomized formulation, and a collector () collects the formulation in powder form.

Spray drying process control of drying kinetics

The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position. The second interlock remains engaged if the receptacle is only partially inserted into the carriage assembly.

Dry powder dispersing apparatus and methods for their use

Growing community of inventors

Pacifica, CA, United States of America

Herman E Snyder