Technology Trends
Essentially, the technology is the best and most effective method of delivering medications that are necessary for respiratory conditions. The primary condition is asthma, which is probably the most common lung disease in the country. The way it works is that one first needs to consult a physician who will be able to better judge asthma condition and thus will be able to better recommend right medications that will help control its symptoms. Once that prescription is obtained, the next step is to use it in a nebulizer device in order to transform it into vapor form for breathing. The vapor form is necessary because it is the best way of getting it into the system and thus controlling the symptoms.
The introduction of portable piston-based nebulizers has provided a boost to the nebulizers market, which was staggering due to the inadequacy of the conventional compressor-based nebulizers. In meeting patients' need for portability at a lower price, portable piston-based nebulizers have gained momentum due to high growth in the bronchodilator/corticosteroid combination therapies market. Increasing acceptance of portable nebulizers is an encouraging sign for both nebulizer and pharmaceutical companies.
Ultrasonic nebulizers are one of the latest developments in the nebulizer market. Due to the inaudibility of ultrasonic waves, an ultrasonic nebulizer would be ideal to use in the home. The noise level during operation is much lower than that of an air compressing nebulizer. However, ultrasonic nebulizers are quite expensive. Moreover, there are some pediatric medications that do not work with certain ultrasonic nebulizers.
The vibrating mesh technology in the latest nebulizer devices is most effective because it delivers a large amount of medications and takes very little time to transform it into vapor form. Previously, with some older generations it would actually take quite a bit of time until they began to create the aerosol form. Now it is a matter of minutes and is fully ready for use and breathing in via the built-in mouthpiece. Another advancement of this technology is the fact that it is too small to carry, so that patients can have the freedom of mobility and portability, which is preferred by individuals who want to take their medicine while on the go.
In addition to strong economic pressures, changes in nebulizer technology are driven by clinical needs along with development of new pharmacological agents requiring special techniques and performance characteristics. In looking at methods for optimal delivery of new medications, some of the innovative experimental delivery devices appear to promote improved deposition of medications dependent on access to the airway, invasive or noninvasive. The new experimental methods will have to be assessed for safety, efficacy, and overall cost-effectiveness of the drug and delivery device.