Formulation of biologics as dry and stable powders suitable for inhalation
Biological medicines, such as proteins, RNA and small particles released by cells, offer new possibilities for preventing and treating disease. For lung conditions, administration by inhalation is particularly attractive. It delivers the medicine directly to the lungs, which may reduce the required dose and limit side effects elsewhere in the body.However, biological medicines are fragile. They can be damaged during production, storage and transport and often need to be kept at very low temperatures. Converting them into dry powders for inhalation may improve their stability and make storage and transport easier. At the same time, the powder must leave the inhaler efficiently, reach the deeper parts of the lungs and preserve the activity of the medicine.This thesis investigated how different biologics can be formulated into stable, dry powders suitable for inhalation. The compounds studied included a recently identified peptide that may potentially contribute to future COPD treatment, as well as mRNA nanoparticles similar to those used in mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Various drying and milling techniques were combined with protective excipients, such as sugars and amino acids.The results show that these fragile medicines can be converted into suitable inhalation powders. However, there is no single method that works for every biological medicine. Each substance has its own properties and weaknesses and therefore requires a carefully tailored formulation and production method. This research represents a step towards stable and more accessible inhaled medicines for the prevention and treatment of lung diseases.