Mixing Systems for Inhalation Powders (DPI)
Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) are a convenient method of delivering respiratory drugs. Traditionally, they are used for treating respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, but their use has also been tested for the treatment of other diseases like diabetes mellitus. Important factors in the development of DPIs are fast absorbance of the active ingredients into the bloodstream, and reduction of negative effects on the stomach.
Dry Powder Inhalers release a powder on inhalation that contains very fine active ingredients. These active ingredients are mixed with a carrier, generally lactose, to provide cohesion inside the inhaler, and separation on absorption in the lungs. Exact characteristics like these demand very specific mixing requirements: Hosokawa Micron has the solutions.
Cyclomix DPI blenders
Hosokawa Micron has adapted the proven Cyclomix technology specifically with blending DPI formulae in mind. The Cyclomix is able to disperse the active ingredients in the lactose filler exactly, so that the active ingredients will be released during inhalation. It mixes homogeneous batches that require low mixing energy and is gentle enough to eliminate any risk of particle erosion. Its conical construction and central outlet result in complete discharge of the mixing vessel and easy cleaning.
The Cyclomix is suitable for batches of 5 to 2000 litres and can be tailor-made to suit your specific customer specifications, including CIP, control systems, variations on charging and discharging. The lab version is called Mini Cyclomix and this model features exchangeable product bowls with volumes of 0.1, 1 or 2 litres. All Cyclomix mixers comply with cGMP standards.
Reference
At Intech Biopharm, they are using a 5 litre Cyclomix high shear mixer in their DPI production line to achieve complete mixing for very a small amount of API in a large amount of excipients:
Click here »
Related technologies
Producers of dry powder inhalers may also be interested in these related technologies:
- Air jet mills from Hosokawa Alpine, for the micronization of actives and lactose
- Mechanofusion from Hosokawa Micron Corporation, for particle design
- Nobilta super-high-shear mixer
Testing & Process Validation
With decades of experience, Hosokawa Micron is your expert partner in developing efficient, validated, and GMP-compliant processing solutions. Run trials with your own materials at our 2,000 m² Test & Process Development Centre in the Netherlands to determine the optimal process, equipment or plant setup for your sterile antibiotic production.
We offer lab and production-scale trials, supported by a detailed technical report covering setup, process parameters and performance insights—helping you choose the best solution with confidence.
Learn more
Talk to our experts
Let our process specialists help you identify the most suitable solution for your materials, process requirements and production goals.
Sustainable process technologies
Hosokawa Micron B.V. is committed to sustainable and responsible process technology. Our ISO 14001 certification covers key environmental aspects such as air, soil, energy, waste, water, noise and hazardous substances. With an EcoVadis Silver Medal, we rank among the top 3% of EcoVadis-rated companies in the special machinery industry.
