Computer-aided design of dry powder inhalers using computational fluid dynamics to assess performance

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are gaining popularity for the delivery of drugs. A cost effective and efficient delivery device is necessary. Developing new DPIs by modifying an existing device may be the simplest way to improve the performance of the devices. The aim of this research was to produce a new DPIs using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The new DPIs took advantages of the Cyclohaler® and the Rotahaler®. We chose a combination of the capsule chamber of the Cyclohaler® and the mouthpiece and grid of the Rotahaler®. Computer-aided design models of the devices were created and evaluated using CFD. Prototype models were created and tested with the DPI dispersion experiments. The proposed model 3 device had a high turbulence with a good degree of deagglomeration in the CFD and the experiment data. The %fine particle fraction (FPF) was around 50% at 60?L/min. The mass median aerodynamic diameter was around 2.8–4?μm. The FPF were strongly correlated to the CFD-predicted turbulence and the mechanical impaction parameters. The drug retention in the capsule was only 5–7%. In summary, a simple modification of the Cyclohaler® and Rotahaler® could produce a better performing inhaler using the CFD-assisted design.     

Metabolic bariatric surgery and type 2 diabetes mellitus: an endocrinologist's perspective

Traditional treatment of T2DM consisting of modification of diet, an exercise regimen, and pharmacotherapy has problems of poor lifestyle modifications and fail tend of treatment over time, now bariatric surgery is recommended for treatment of obese patients with T2DM because its great improvements on weight loss and metabolic. In this article, effects of bariatric surgery on diabetes and diabetes-related complications are reviewed.     

以彝族药痛舒胶囊开发为例探索民族药创新发展路径＊

民族药是我国传统医药的重要组成部分，对中华民族的繁衍生息做出了巨大贡献。民族药在民间的应用实践十分丰富，是极为重要的新药开发来源，但由于在开发研究及产业化过程中存在基础研究薄弱、资源利用可持续性差、知识产权保护不足、市场意识不足等问题，阻碍了民族药的创新发展。本文以云南省药物研究所成功开发的彝族药痛舒胶囊为例，总结民族药开发实践经验，探讨民族药创新发展路径，为民族药的新药开发、产业化发展及国际化提供实践参考。