3M Drug Delivery Systems
Product Design

Description and aims
The project aim is to optimise the performance of pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers.
For effective drug delivery, the pMDI must form an adequate seal to prevent drug contamination, yet also allow a sufficient opening to enable efficient drug delivery.
About 3M Drug Delivery Systems
3M Drug Delivery Systems is the largest contract manufacturer of the pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI). Invented in 1956, 3M’s pMDI has been the number one medical device innovation improving the quality of life of asthma sufferers worldwide.
3M has engaged in research with Loughborough University for many years in a number of areas to ensure that its products are optimised to ensure its pMDIs continue to meet the challenge of delivering an ever-widening range of therapeutic drugs.
How the project is being undertaken
Dr Stephanos Theodossiades and PhD student Dave Grimble at Loughborough University worked with 3M to develop a systematic assessment of the friction, lubrication and wear aspects of the design and development of pMDIs.
The goal of the collaboration between Loughborough and 3M is to develop a systematic methodology and replace the empirical validations of designs currently used broadly in the industry, as these are both costly and difficult to study due to the pressurised nature of the inhaler and associated difficulty in accessing the dynamic elements of the valve mechanism.
Impacts and benefits
Having studied the effects of seal lubrication, a novel inhaler design has been developed using CAD geometries of the valve components, supported by numerical analysis. This has enabled the development of an accurate virtual prototype, simulating the inhaler’s operating conditions to better understand the overall mechanism performance.
‘For 3M, this relationship is enabling our product developers to gain a more fundamental understanding of key product performance characteristics using excellent local expertise and equipment at Loughborough University. We will then apply this invaluable knowledge in an industrial environment to develop new drug delivery systems and optimise product performance.’ Matt Wilby, Shark Project Leader, 3M
For more information about the project
If you would like to hear more about this project, please contact Kathryn Burchell, Enterprise Office, Loughborough University.
Email: k.d.burchell@lboro.ac.uk
Telephone: 01509 228493
University
Academic Lead
Dr Stephanos Theodossiades
School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Contact
01509 228493