Press Room

DDL 2023

Start
Wednesday, December 06, 2023
End
Friday, December 08, 2023
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Booth Number: #165

Hovione is excited to participate in the DDL Conference 2023 from December 6-8 in Edinburgh. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with our experts in inhalation and nasal drug delivery and discover how our comprehensive expertise and leadership in Particle Engineering can ensure that your inhalation and nasal therapies are engineered for success from start to finish.



Join Hovione's Presentations



On December 7th, don't miss the oral presentations by our experts:

 

Title: "Enhanced Lung Delivery of mRNA Using Nebulized Lipid Nanoparticles"

Ricardo Velez, Associate Scientist, IADD 

Time: 14:40 - 14:55

Description: The current study developed a formulation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that encapsulate either messenger RNA (mRNA) or transfer RNA (tRNA), enabling their delivery into the lungs through nebulization. tRNA-LNPs and mRNA-LNPs were produced using microfluidics, followed by a buffer exchange via dialysis to investigate the effect of different excipients on LNPs colloidal stability during nebulization. The formulation containing PBS and Tween 80 demonstrated the capacity to sustain the colloidal stability of tRNA-LNPs during nebulization. This formulation was then applied to mRNA-LNPs, maintaining particle colloidal stability and mRNA integrity throughout the product's lifecycle. 

The mRNA-LNPs were nebulization using a vibrating mesh nebulizer and produced droplets with favorable aerodynamic characteristics: Median Mass Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) of 4.6 µm, a Fine Particle Fraction of Emitted Dose (FPFED) of 51%, and an Emitted Dose (ED) of 92%. By presenting a formulation capable of withstanding mechanical stress induced by a vibrating mesh nebulizer while exhibiting satisfactory aerodynamic performance, this work is a significant advancement in the nebulization of nucleic acids.

 

Title: "Amorphous Spray Dried Microparticles for Nasal Delivery: Tackling Solubility Challenges while Targeting Systemic Nasal Absorption"

Patrícia Henriques, Scientist, Inhalation and Advanced Drug Delivery

Time: 14:55 - 15:10 

Description: Dry powder formulations for nasal drug delivery can be manufactured by spray drying, a technology that allows particle size control and the generation of amorphous solid dispersions for drug solubility enhancement. The objective of this study was to characterize the dissolution and drug release performance of amorphous spray dried microparticles comprising a model poorly soluble drug piroxicam and two different polymers, while comparing with the corresponding physical blends. The lead formulation was further characterized regarding nasal deposition using the Alberta Idealized Nasal Inlet (AINI). Overall, the results show spray drying as an advantageous technology for nasal targeted systemic delivery. Moreover, a combined performance evaluation using dissolution, drug release and nasal deposition methodologies was adequate to characterize and select lead formulation candidates.

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Don't Miss Hovione's Poster Sessions 

Poster Title: High drug load and performance formulation platform for DPI

Susana Saldanha, RD Manager, IADD 



Description: The work developed shows a formulation platform using crystalline active ingredient particles coated with a force control agent, such as Leucine, provides a solution for delivering high drug loads to the lungs by increasing more than 4 times the fine particle fraction (FPF) from 7% to 38% when comparing with the uncoated API particles. The results show that this formulation platform can be applied in a wide range of therapeutic indications that require high drug load inhalable powders. In addition, the combination of the formulation with a high-performance device such as Sunriser®, can further improve the delivered dose efficiency.

Poster Title: "Impact of the blending process of carrier-based formulations on DPI performance" Luis Sousa, Senior Analytical Scientist, AD 

Abstract: This work aimed at investigating the impact of blending process parameters, such as the order of addition of a pre-blend of excipients and the blending energy, on the aerodynamic performance of carrier-based formulations containing magnesium stearate. Several blends were manufactured as part of a DoE and the results revealed that no statistical model could explain the variations observed. Nevertheless, a clear correlation was observed between the API content of the blends and aerodynamic performance (Fine Particle Fraction), which was further explored with the help of thermal analysis (DSC). At the end, optimal blending process conditions were defined for this type of formulations.

 

Schedule a meeting with our team - Booth #165 - and get to know more about our unique and comprehensive expertise in inhalation and nasal drug delivery and how we can support your needs in your drug development and manufacturing.

Let’s discuss your project together.

 

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Also in the Press Room

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Hovione is bringing momentum to the intranasal field after announcing that its lead single-use nasal dry powder device, developed in collaboration with Industrial Design Consultancy Ltd (IDC), is now available for commercial partnerships. The milestone marks the transition from prototype to a fully integrated intranasal drug delivery platform that spans Hovione’s end-to-end partnership capabilities–from API synthesis through advanced formulation and particle engineering to drug product manufacturing, including device supply and advanced analytical tools for nasal performance characterization. The platform’s single-use device is designed to be manufacturable at scale and to leverage existing advanced particle engineering and drug product manufacturing capabilities, a practical advantage that can shorten timelines to clinic and commercialization while reducing development risk and cost. The device’s patented mechanism supports targeted nasal deposition, including access to the upper olfactory region. This enables rapid systemic absorption and potential nose-to-brain delivery pathways that are increasingly important for CNS and emergency-use indications. Beyond the single-use format, Hovione and IDC are advancing a multi-dose variant to broaden applicability across dosing regimens and therapeutic areas. The collaboration is backed by an intellectual property portfolio and initial patent grants, positioning the platform as a turnkey option for pharma partners seeking a single integrated supplier for both drug substance and device. This development arrives as intranasal delivery gains traction for systemic, CNS and rapid-onset therapies. This is precisely the focus of the upcoming 4th Nasal Formulation & Delivery Summit, for which Hovione is a key sponsor. The annual summit unites formulation, delivery and product development leaders to tackle drug-device compatibility, translational preclinical models, and strategies for scalable, regulatory-ready intranasal programs. Hovione’s recent progress will be highly relevant to attendees looking to de-risk nose-to-brain and systemic intranasal programs. Read the full article at News-Medical.net    

Press Clipping

Hovione advances intranasal drug delivery with commercial-ready dry powder platform ahead of 4th Nasal Formulation & Delivery Summit

Jun 01, 2026