Advancing pulmonary therapy: the role of dry powder inhalation technology in lung disease management

Abstract

Chronic respiratory diseases represent a growing global health challenge, marked by rising prevalence and mortality rates. Inflammatory lung conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are major contributors to this burden. These disorders are typically associated with persistent inflammation in the airways or lung tissue, resulting in obstructive or restrictive patterns of respiratory dysfunction. Many of these diseases involve both acute exacerbations and chronic progression, making diagnosis and management particularly complex. Conventional treatments often rely on systemic drug administration, which can be limited by suboptimal therapeutic efficacy and undesirable effects on non-target organs. In contrast, inhalation-based drug delivery offers a more direct and efficient route to the lungs, enabling localized drug action, reduced systemic toxicity, and faster therapeutic onset. Among the various inhalation approaches, dry powder inhalers (DPIs) have gained increasing attention for their user-friendly design, dose consistency, and breath-actuated delivery mechanisms. This review explores recent advances in pulmonary drug delivery, with a particular focus on the design, development, and clinical potential of DPIs. By enhancing site-specific drug delivery and supporting the move toward personalized respiratory therapies, DPIs are poised to play a pivotal role in the future of respiratory disease management.

Keywords: Aerodynamic performance; COPD; Dry powder inhalation; Lung diseases; Pulmonary drug delivery.