Inhaler with frangible membranes

265 486 T3

DESCRIPTION

Inhaler with frangible membranes.

Scope of the invention

The present invention relates to drug delivery devices and, more particularly, to inhalable drug delivery devices.

Background of the invention

Inhalers are commonly used to deliver various medications to users through the user's nose or mouth. Such drugs increasingly include dry powders. Various considerations regarding delivery efficiency can be made, particularly in the case of dry powders. For example, it may be important to ensure that the proper dose is dosed and delivered, that the drug is properly dispersed in the carrier fluid (e.g. carrier gas), that the delivery device is not unduly prone to user error. during handling and / or that too much inhalation force is not required. Other considerations may include the complexity of handling, portability, and the size of the delivery device. Since inhalation therapy often requires numerous applications, the cost of applying the drug dose may be of particular importance.

US 5,215,221, to which the preamble of claim 1 is related, describes a unit dose disposable dispenser having a product reservoir filled with a powdered product, such as an antihistamine or a decongestant. The dispenser further comprises a lobed blister that includes a gas chamber that is separated from the product reservoir by a breakable seal. The product reservoir is connected to a supply tube that has a breakable tip. When the tip is broken and pressure is applied to the gas chamber by squeezing the blister, the seal is broken producing a jet of gas that is discharged from the gas chamber into the adjacent product reservoir, fluidizing and dispensing the medication through the supply tube. The tip must be broken before use.

An object of the present invention is to provide a drug delivery device that is easier to use.

Summary of the invention

The drug delivery device of the invention is defined in claim 1.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a drug delivery device for administering a drug to a user includes a drug reservoir and an inlet port and an outlet port, each disposed adjacent to the reservoir. A gas chamber is arranged adjacent to the inlet port. The device includes a compressor mechanism operable to compress the gas chamber to at least a preset pressure. A first frangible membrane extends through the inlet port and separates the reservoir and the gas chamber. A second frangible membrane extends through the exit port. When the compressor mechanism is engaged, at least one of the first and second membranes is sensitive to the preset pressure existing in the gas chamber, so that it bursts to let the gas flow through the inlet orifice and the reservoir and drag medication through the exit port.

The compressor mechanism may include a compressible blister that defines the gas chamber and is operable to compress the gas chamber to at least the preset pressure. The device may include: a first sheet including the compressible blister formed therein; a second sheet defining the deposit therein; and an intermediate layer arranged between the first and second sheets, the first and second membranes forming part of the intermediate layer.

According to further embodiments of the present invention, a drug delivery device for administering a drug to a user includes a drug reservoir and an inlet port and an outlet port, each disposed adjacent to the reservoir. The device includes a compressible blister that defines a gas chamber and is operable to compress the gas chamber to at least a preset pressure. A frangible membrane extends through the inlet port and separates the reservoir and gas chamber. When the blister is compressed, the membrane is sensitive to the preset pressure in the gas chamber so that it bursts to let the gas flow through the inlet port and reservoir and pull the medicine out of the outlet port.

Brief description of the drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a delivery device, according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser that forms part of the delivery device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a central cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a central cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Figure 2, in which the dispenser is in a partially actuated position;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an intermediate sheet of a dispenser according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a central cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a central cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Figure 7, in which a lid is removed therefrom;

Figure 9 is a central cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a central cross-sectional view of a dispenser in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, showing the dispenser in a partially actuated position;

Figure 11 is a central cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to an adi2 embodiment

ES 2 265 486 T3 of the present invention, in which the dispenser is shown in a partially actuated position;

Figure 12 is a side elevation view of a dispenser in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 12, before its assembly^heh;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present invention, in which a delivery tube thereof is in a collapsed position;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the delivery device of Figure 14, showing the delivery tube thereof in an extended operative position;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present invention, showing a delivery tube thereof in an extended position;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the delivery device of Figure 16, showing the delivery tube thereof in a retracted position;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of a delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of a delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 20 is a fragmentary perspective view of a delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

The present invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. However, this invention can be made in very different ways and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein, the scope of the invention being defined in the appended claims. Like numeric references indicate like elements. In the figures, certain components and the thickness of some layers may be exaggerated for clarity.

Referring to Figures 1-4, an inhalation drug delivery device 101 according to embodiments of the present invention is shown. The delivery device (101) includes a dispenser (100) and a delivery tube (180) (see FIG. 1). The dispenser (100) includes a compressor mechanism (110), a storage volume (116), and a diffuser tube (120). The dispenser (100) contains a quantity of a desired drug (5) (see Figure 3) in the storage volume (116). Preferably, the amount of drug corresponds to a single therapeutic dose. The medicament (5) may be a dry powder aseptic medicament.

Generally and as discussed in greater detail below, drug 5 can be delivered into the respiratory passage of the user, typically into the mouth or nose of the user, by positioning the free end of the delivery tube (180) adjacent to the user's mouth or nose and operating the compressor mechanism (110). In this way a carrier gas (111) is pushed through the storage volume (116), the diffuser tube (120) and the supply tube (180). As the carrier gas (111) flows through the storage volume (116), the drug (5) is entrained in the gas (111) and is transported and expelled with the gas towards the user through the delivery tube. The delivery tube (180) can optionally be omitted, in which case the open end of the diffuser tube (120) can be located directly adjacent to the mouth or nose of the user.

As can best be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the dispenser (100) includes a top sheet (140), a bottom sheet (160), and an intermediate sheet (150). The relative thickness of the intermediate sheet 150 is exaggerated in Figures 3 and 4 for clarity. The topsheet has a blister (142) and a cone-shaped conduit (144) formed therein. The blister (142) and the conduit (144) are surrounded by marginal portions (146A, 146B and 146C) (Figures 2 and 3). The bottom sheet (160) has a reservoir (166) formed therein and marginal portions (162, 164) surrounding the reservoir (166).

The sheets (140, 150, 160) are configured and arranged relatively so that the upper sheet (140) is joined to the intermediate sheet (150), and with it to the lower sheet (160), at the marginal portions (146A and 146C) (see FIG. 2). Although the intermediate sheet (150) is shown to extend the entire length of the dispenser (100), the intermediate sheet (150) can be shortened and may comprise multiple different sheets. For example, one such sheet can include membrane (152), as described below, and a different sheet can include membrane (154), as described below.

A central portion (146B) of the topsheet (140) is laminated onto the intermediate sheet (150) and covers the reservoir (166). The length (D) of the reservoir (166) is greater than the length (C) of the central part (146B) so that an inlet opening or orifice (114) and an outlet opening or orifice (118) are defined in the sides of the central part (146B). The holes (114 and 118) have lengths (A and B), respectively. Intermediate sheet (150) includes a first membrane or inlet membrane (152) (indicated by dashed lines in Figure 2) that extends completely through hole (114). Intermediate sheet (150) also includes an outlet membrane (154) (indicated by dashed lines in Figure 2) that extends completely through hole (118). In this way, the reservoir (166), the inlet membrane (152), the outlet membrane (154) and the central part (146B) define the reservoir (166), within which the medicine (5) is completely encapsulated. in the storage volume (116).

The blister (142) and the marginal portion (162) form the compressor mechanism (110) and define a gas chamber (112). The gas chamber (112) is disposed immediately adjacent to the orifice (114) and is totally isolated from the storage volume (116) by the inlet membrane (152). Similarly, conduit (144) and marginal portion (164) form diffuser tube (120) and define conduit (122) and supply opening (124). Conduit (122) is disposed immediately adjacent hole (118)

ES 2 265 486 T3 and is totally isolated from the storage volume (116) by the outlet membrane (154).

The upper and lower sheets (140, 160) are preferably thermoformed from a suitable polymeric or elastomeric material. More preferably, the upper and lower sheets (140, 160) are formed by a collaminated or coextruded film that includes on the outside thereof a layer of thermoformable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and on the inside thereof a heat-sealable polyethylene layer. The intermediate layer (150) is preferably formed by a layer of polyethylene. Preferably, the intermediate layer (150) has a thickness between approximately 12.7 and 101.6 microns (½ and 4 mil). Preferably, the intermediate layer (150) has a burst pressure between about 4.4 and 89.0 Newtons. Preferably, the intermediate layer (150) has a tensile strength between about 10 and 50 Mpascals.

The gas chamber (112) preferably has a volume between about 0.2 and 10 milliliters. The gas in the gas chamber (112) and the gas in the storage volume (116) may be the same or different gases. These gases can be air or other suitable gases. For example, noble gases, N₂, Ar or He.

The drug (5) can be any substance that produces a clinically useful result. By "clinically useful outcome" is meant clinically suitable for the prevention or treatment of a disease or condition through the administration of a substance. Examples include, but are not limited to, clinically appropriate control of blood sugar levels (insulin), clinically appropriate treatment of hormone deficiency (PTH, Growth Hormone, etc.), expression of immunity protective (vaccines), thrombosis prevention (heparin or derived products), pain relief or prevention (antimigraines, opioids, etc.), infection control (antibiotics), the control of allergies or the clinically appropriate treatment of toxicity (antitoxins). More preferably, the medicament (5) is a dry powder consisting of a substance that produces a clinically useful result. Such substances can be incorporated as components of mixtures with other excipients by processes that are known in the art. Such processes may include, but are not limited to, freeze drying of mixtures followed by dry mixing, spray dehydration, and supercritical process methods.

The dispenser 100 (or a series of dispensers 100) may be formed on a web in a manner similar to that commonly used to form batches of blisters. In a band corresponding to the upper sheet (140) the blister (142) and the conduit (144) are thermoformed, and in a band corresponding to the lower sheet (160) the reservoir (166) is thermoformed. Between the bands corresponding to the sheets (140) and (160) a band corresponding to the intermediate sheet (150) is inserted. The bands corresponding to the sheets (140, 150 and 160) are then heat sealed with the layered configuration shown in Figure 3 and with the medicine (5) arranged in the reservoir (166). Preferably, first the medicine (5) is placed in the reservoir (166), then the band corresponding to the foil (150) is heat sealed on the band corresponding to the foil (160) to package the medicine (5) and then the web corresponding to the foil (140) is heat sealed on the opposite side of the web corresponding to the foil (150) to form a unitary dispenser (100). The dispenser 100 is then punched out or otherwise cut from the rest of the bands.

In inhalation through the nose, the dispenser (100) is preferably used without the delivery tube (180). In inhalation through the mouth, the dispenser (100) can be mounted via slots (184) (Figure 1) in the opening (182B) of the delivery tube (180). The delivery opening (182A) of the delivery tube (180) is positioned adjacent the user's mouth or, alternatively, the delivery opening (124) of the diffuser tube (120) is positioned adjacent the user's nose. Preferably, during handling, the dispenser (100) is oriented so that the blister (142) is at the top and the reservoir (166) is at the bottom.

The user then begins to inhale through the delivery tube (180) or through the diffuser tube (120). When the user is inhaling, the user applies a compressive force to the blister (142) as indicated by the direction arrows (L) in Figure 4. This can be done effectively and conveniently by squeezing or depressing the blister (142 ) and the marginal portion (162) between the thumb and one or more fingers of the user. As the user compresses the blister (142) the pressure inside the gas chamber (112) increases, thereby applying an increasing force on the inlet membrane (152). When a preset pressure is reached in the gas chamber (112) the inlet membrane (152) will burst, placing the gas chamber (112) in fluid communication with the storage volume (116). The outlet membrane (154) is then immediately and substantially charged with the same pressure and also bursts, placing the storage volume (116) in fluid communication with the conduit (122). As a consequence, a continuous flow path is established from the gas chamber (112) to the supply port (124). The gas (111) that was originally in the gas chamber (112) travels at high speed through the orifices (114, 118) and through the storage volume (116) so that the gas (111) produces an aerosol with the drug (5) and a plume (5A) including the drug (5) is expelled out or expelled from the dispenser (100), as shown in Figure 4. Diffuser tube (120) and / or delivery tube (180) allow for expansion and mixing of the plume and also allow the velocity of the plume (5A) to decrease before finally delivering it to the user.

It will be appreciated that the carrier gas (111), which aerosols the drug, may include some or all of the gas stored in the storage volume (116). Furthermore, the dispensers according to the present invention can be configured so that the gas originally stored in the gas chamber (112) does not finally form part of the plume (5A), but rather so that this gas displaces a quantity of gas downstream that produces a spray with the medicine (5). Means other than the thermoformed reservoir (166) may be used to contain the drug (5) in the gas circulation path. For example, the tank can be made

ES 2 265 486 T3 separately in the compressor mechanism (110) or in the diffuser tube (120).

The delivery device (101) and the dispenser (100) provide several advantages. The dispenser (810) is inexpensive to manufacture and can match the cost of simply packaging a single dose of the drug (5) itself. The delivery device (101) and the dispenser (100) are easy to use. Dispenser 100 can deliver a single, precisely measured dose. Thanks to the arrangement of the compressor mechanism (110), the dispenser (100) does not require a high degree of inspiratory effort on the part of the user to deliver the entire prescribed dose. The dispenser (100) can be disposable, so that it does not require cleaning or recharging.

The preferred properties of the membranes (152, 154) and the configurations and dimensions of the blister (142) and reservoir (166) will depend on the quantity and characteristics of the drug (5), in addition to the desired operational characteristics. The preset pressure must be high enough so that sufficient carrier gas velocity is generated to dispense and disaggregate the drug (5), thereby producing a cloud of drug (5) that is suitable for inhalation and can propel substantially all of the drug (5). medicine (5). After application, a drug residue (5) may remain in reservoir 166. Preferably, the amount of the residue is not more than 10% of the original amount of drug (5). However, the preset pressure is preferably low enough that too much effort is not required on the part of the user to generate the preset pressure in the gas chamber 112.

The preset pressure of the dispenser (100) necessary to deliver the drug (5 will depend on the effective burst pressure and tensile strength of one or both membranes (152 and 154). The behavior of the dispenser (100) can be varied by selecting and appropriately configuring the membrane materials to have the effective burst pressures and tensile strengths of the membranes (152 and 154).

For some applications it may be desirable for both membranes (152 and 154) to have substantially the same effective burst pressures and / or the same effective tensile strengths. This can be achieved by making the membranes (152 and 154) of the same material and with the same dimensions.

For some applications it may be desirable to make one of the membranes (152, 154) with a higher effective burst pressure and / or with a greater effective tensile strength than the other membrane (152, 154). It has been found that the delivered dose can be more complete (i.e. less residual drug remains in reservoir (166) after activation) when one of the membranes (152, 154) ruptures at a pressure significantly lower than that of preset pressure. In particular, in some embodiments it has been found that the residual dose is substantially reduced or actually suppressed when the inlet membrane (152) is adapted to burst at a pressure less than the pressure required for the outlet membrane to burst ( 154). Preferably, the inlet membrane (152) is adapted to burst at a pressure between approximately 20 and 80% of the pressure at which the outlet membrane (154) bursts.

The membranes (152, 154) can be tailored to burst at different pressures by appropriate selection of respective materials, thicknesses, and / or various hole sizes (114, 118). Alternatively or additionally the following features may be used to provide differential burst pressures. These features can be used individually or in combination.

Referring to Figure 5, an intermediate sheet (250), such as the one shown in this figure, can be substituted for the intermediate sheet (150) of the dispenser (100). Intermediate sheet (250) includes an inlet membrane (252) and an outlet membrane (254) (indicated by broken lines) equivalent to membranes (152 and 154), respectively. The intermediate sheet (250) can be shaped in the same way as the intermediate sheet (150) except that the sheet (250) is further provided with stampings (252A and 254A) on the membranes (252 and 254) to control the pattern of film breakage. The stampings can be concavities, deformations, grooved areas or areas of reduced thickness made in the film of the sheet (250) and serve to provide preferential discharge parts or weakening positions.

The stamps (252A and 254A) can have different designs (as shown) or the same design. One of the stamps (252A, 254A) can be omitted. In particular, stamping 254A can be omitted so that membrane 252 has an effective burst pressure lower than that of membrane 254. An alternative pattern of embossments includes multiple dots that, upon application of relatively low pressure, will burst, converting the membrane (s) into a mesh. The stamps (252A, 254A) can be formed by any suitable means, for example by mechanical and / or thermal stamping.

Referring to Figure 6, a dispenser 300 is shown according to a further embodiment. The dispenser (300) includes upper and lower sheets (340 and 360) equivalent to the upper and lower sheets (140 and 160), respectively, and can be constructed in the same way as the dispenser (100) except that the intermediate sheet (150) is replaced by the intermediate sheets (350A and 350B). Sheet 350A includes inlet membrane 352 (indicated by broken lines) and sheet 350B includes outlet membrane 354 (indicated by broken lines). The sheets 350A, 350B are formed of oriented films. As used herein, "oriented film" refers to a film that is stretched in the direction of flow during or after extrusion. Preferably, the sheets (350A, 350B) are formed of uniaxially oriented films.

Preferably, the films on the sheets (350A, 350B) are oriented at different angles, and more preferably at an angle of about 90 degrees to each other. Even more preferably, the foil film 350A (and consequently the entrance membrane film 352) is oriented to tear along an axis (P) substantially parallel to the line. flow rate and the sheet film 350B (and consequently the outlet membrane film 354) is oriented to tear along an axis (R) substantially perpendicular to the line of flow.

ES 2 265 486 T3

Based on computer modeling, more consistent drug delivery is achieved by turbulence or "spinning" of the delivery fluid in the drug-containing chamber (5), as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The membrane of Inlet (352) and outlet membrane (354) burst substantially simultaneously. In preferred embodiments, the membranes are formed of a polyolefin, even more preferably a polyethylene film, which has a thickness between 7.62 and 38.1 microns (0.3 and 1.5 thousandths of an inch) and which has a burst pressure between 1.2 and 10 atmospheres, more preferably less than 5 atmospheres or even more preferably between 1.5 and 4 atmospheres, which can be easily achieved by manually crushing the bulb or blister (142, 242), etc. In addition, based on computer modeling, the maximum drug delivery rate is achieved by using only a burst polymeric membrane at the outlet of the delivery device, which can be done using a piercing element (552 or 653), as described further go ahead. When a piercing element is used the inlet membrane can be formed of any suitable polymer, but preferably it is formed of a polyolefin, even more preferably polyethylene as described.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8 there is shown a dispenser (400) according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Dispenser (400) mates with dispenser (100) except that dispenser (400) is further provided with an end cap assembly (490). The end cap assembly (490) includes a cap (492) that is removably mounted on the diffuser tube (420), as shown in Figure 7. A connecting wire (494) is secured to the cap (492), extends through the conduit (422), and is secured to the outlet membrane (454).

In use, the user first separates the cap (492) from the diffuser tube (420), thereby tearing and / or tearing all or part of the outlet membrane (454), as shown in figure 8. From in this way the orifice (418) is partially or totally open at the desired dispensing moment. The user can then operate the dispenser (400) in the manner described above in relation to the dispenser (100).

Referring to FIG. 9, a dispenser (500) according to further embodiments of the present invention is shown. Dispenser (500) matches dispenser (100) except as follows. A piercing member (553) may be molded into or otherwise secured to the bottom sheet (560) (eg, prior to heat sealing the top, bottom, and middle sheets). Piercing member (553) extends into storage volume (116) below inlet membrane (552).

When the blister (542) is depressed, the pressure on it causes the inlet membrane (552) to deform or bulge downward, coming into contact with the piercing member (553). In this way, the membrane (552) can be pre-punctured or burst at a pressure less than the pressure required for the outlet membrane (554) to burst.

Referring to FIG. 10, a dispenser 600 according to further embodiments of the present invention is shown in a partially actuated position. Dispenser 600 is consistent with dispenser 100 except as follows. A piercing member (653) is molded into or otherwise secured to the topsheet (640) and, more particularly, within the blister (642). Prior to actuation of the compressor mechanism (610), the piercing member (653) extends downwardly into the gas chamber (612) and is in a suspended position over the inlet membrane (652).

When the blister (642) is depressed, the piercing member (653) moves and contacts the inlet membrane (652). In this way, the membrane (652) can be pre-punctured or burst at a pressure less than the pressure required for the outlet membrane (654) to burst.

Referring to FIG. 11, a dispenser 700 according to further embodiments is shown in a partially actuated position. Dispenser 700 matches dispenser 100 except as follows. The stiffness, elasticity, and other appropriate characteristics of the topsheet (740), the bottomsheet (760), and the middle sheet (750) are selected so that, as the blister (742) is pressed in one direction ( M), the parts of the various sheets (740, 750, 760) located upstream of the inlet port (714) (together, the dispenser part (703)) are stretched laterally in the direction (N) with respect to the parts of the blades (740, 750, 760) located downstream of the inlet port (714) (together, the dispenser portion (705)). This stretching increases the length (E) of the orifice in direction (N) (ie, substantially along the length of the flow line) and thereby deforms the inlet membrane (752). Such deformation causes a non-uniformity in the inlet membrane (752) and results in stress concentrations. In this way, the inlet membrane (752) can burst at a pressure less than the pressure required for the outlet membrane (754) to burst.

Referring to Figures 12 and 13 there is shown a dispenser (800) according to further embodiments of the present invention. The dispenser (800) has a top sheet (840), an intermediate sheet (850) and a bottom sheet (860) equivalent to the sheets (140, 150 and 160), respectively, except as follows.

The top sheet (840) and the bottom sheet (860) are integrally formed into a clamshell member (810) and are pivotally connected by hinge portions (812). Cone-shaped diffuser ducts (844A and 844B) are formed in the sheets (840 and 860), respectively. To mount the dispenser (800) the blades (840, 860) are folded or pivoted around the hinges (812) placing the blade (850) between them. The conduits (844A, 844B) combine to form an elongated conical diffuser tube (820). Optionally, the conduit (844B) can be replaced by a flat part such as the dispenser (100).

The dispenser (800) has a blister (842) with a general accordion or bellows shape. The blister 842 has generally vertically extending annular walls (842A) and joining rounded annular walls (842B). The walls (842A) are preferably substantially concentric with each other and with the walls (842B). The blister (842) is tapered so that the diameters of the walls (842A, 842B)

ES 2 265 486 T3 decrease incrementally towards the upper end of the blister (842).

When the blister 842 is depressed, the walls 842 tend to guide the blister 842 in a vertical direction V which is preferably collinear with the common central axis of the walls 842A, 842B. The rounded walls (842B) allow the blister (842) to be easily crushed against the underlying segments. The telescopic shape of the blister (842) prevents the blister from locking up as it is depressed.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, a delivery device 901 is shown in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. The delivery device (901) includes a delivery tube (980) and a dispenser (900) equivalent to the dispenser (100). The supply tube (980) is configured and formed of a suitable material so that the supply tube (980) is collapsible. Suitable materials can include polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, or ABS. The supply tube (980) can be held in a collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 14, so that the parts (986A and 986B) of the supply tube (980) are joined by a fold (981). This position can be particularly advantageous for storing the delivery device (901). When the user wants to administer a dose with the dispenser 900, the user can unfold the portion 986B around the fold 981 to extend the delivery tube 980 to the delivery position, as shown in Figure 15.

Referring to Figures 16 and 17 there is shown a delivery device (1001) according to further embodiments of the present invention. The delivery device (1001) includes a dispenser (1000) equivalent to the dispenser (100). The delivery device (1001) further includes a delivery tube (1080). The delivery tube (1080) includes a plurality of telescopic segments (1086A, 1086B, 1086C). For storage, the delivery tube 1080 can be slidably snapped or compressed, as shown in Figure 17. The delivery tube 1080 can later be re-extended, as shown in Figure 16, for use.

Referring to FIG. 18, a delivery device 1101 according to further embodiments of the present invention is shown. The delivery device (1101) includes a dispenser (1100) equivalent to the dispenser (100). The delivery device (1101) further includes a delivery tube (1180). The supply tube (1180) mates with the supply tube (180) except that a plurality of baffles (1188A and 1188B) are secured to the inner surface (1181) of the supply tube (1180) and extend inwardly and radially. from her. The baffles (1188A, 1188B) are preferably integrally molded within the supply tube (1180). Baffles 1188A and baffles 1188B extend from opposite sides of supply tube 1180 and are arranged alternately sequentially. The baffles (1188A, 1188B) can serve to slow down the plume of medicine from the dispenser (1100). The baffles (1188A, 1188B) can also serve to disaggregate the drug and also to produce additional turbulence in the carrier gas stream so as to facilitate mixing of the drug with the carrier gas stream.

Referring to Figure 19, a delivery device 1201 according to further embodiments of the present invention is shown. The delivery device (1201) includes a dispenser (1200) equivalent to the dispenser (100). The delivery device (1201) further includes a delivery tube (1280). A helical rib (1287) is secured to and extends radially inward from the inner surface (1281) of the supply tube (1280). The rib can be integrally molded with the delivery tube (1280). Helical rib (1287) extends at least part of the length of the inner wall of supply tube (1280). Preferably, rib 1287 has a radial height between approximately 1/5 and 4/5 of the diameter of the outlet tube. Helical rib (1287) can serve the functions discussed above in connection with baffles (1188A, 1188B).

Referring to FIG. 20, a delivery device 1301 according to further embodiments of the present invention is shown. Delivery device 1301 includes a dispenser 1300 equivalent to dispenser 100, for example. The delivery device (1301) further includes a delivery tube (1380) that mates with the delivery tube (180) except as follows. A screen or filter (1389) is located on and secured to the inner surface (1381) of the supply tube (1380). Preferably, the filter (1389) extends across the entire width of the supply tube (1380). The mesh size of the filter (1389) will depend on the optimum size of the dust particles to be administered. The filter (1389) is preferably formed of a plastic material. Filter 1389 can serve the functions discussed above in connection with baffles 1188A, 1188B.

In a further alternative, baffles equivalent to baffles (1188A, 1188B) may be secured to and extend radially inward from the inner wall or supply opening (124) of diffuser tube (120), for example. Similarly, a helical rib equivalent to helical rib (1287) may be disposed on diffuser tube (120), for example. Also, as a further alternative, a filter equivalent to filter (1389) may be mounted on diffuser tube (120) or port (124).