Alternative propellant aerosol delivery systems

The year 2006 represents the 50th anniversary of the pressurized metered dose inhaler. With most technologies, 50 years represents a significant time span for technology evolution and modification, but with propellant-driven metered dose inhalers, the pace of change has been relatively slow. We are now in the era of alternative propellant aerosol delivery systems, but at this 50-year juncture, what are the characteristics of these systems and what are the prospects for future advances? This review will consider alternative propellant aerosol delivery systems broadly from their inception through future opportunities and challenges.