3P innovation’s new, generic next-generation dry powder inhaler (DPI) filling technology has become available on the market. 

3P innovation launched the DPI filling technology as an enhanced equivalent product to the original high-speed powder filling system for the GSK Diskus DPI, which later became integral to the GSK Ellipta inhaler. The filling equipment patent for the GSK product was filed in 2002 and expired in April, 2022.

3P innovation’s technology is able to fill inhalers with dry powder up to five times faster than all other current market alternatives. The product is also able to handle more challenging, highly potent and dusty powders with increased containment. Furthermore, it can process magnesium stearate and powders containing lubricants. As a result, this creates opportunities for the production of novel DPI formulations, including those combining active pharmaceutical ingredients, lactose and magnesium stearate.

3P innovation will bespoke build each new enhanced filling system to the specific requirements of developers, pharmaceutical firms, or contract manufacturers. The product will be available for all manufacturers looking to produce generic products from the original Diskus and Ellipta products. These generic inhalable therapeutic products will look to launch in 2029. As a result, 3P innovation will be installing commercial lines within the next 12 months.

Tom Bailey, Founder of 3P innovation, and the leading developer responsible for the patenting of the high-speed powder filling system for the GSK Diskus DPI, which later became integral to the GSK Ellipta inhaler, said, “The expiry of the Diskus DPI patent will enable lower cost medications and an improved access to an increased number of therapeutic options. 3P innovation has now created an equivalent high-speed powder filling system which is far more cost-effective and faster than market alternatives. This represents a considerable commercial and growth opportunity for 3P innovation.  This will also have considerable benefits for patients of respiratory conditions as well as for healthcare systems internationally.”