Dry Powder Inhalation

Supporting capsule-based dry powder inhalation (cDPI) from early concept through commercialization

Developing capsule-based dry powder inhalation (cDPI) therapies requires the precise integration of capsule design, powder formulation, device understanding, and advanced manufacturing. Our capabilities are strengthened by the Innovaform® Accelerator capsule delivery platform and our finished product manufacturing site in Tampa, FL, enabling true end-to-end CDMO support for capsule inhalation products.

At Lonza Capsugel, our scientists partner with you to design cDPI solutions that meet the unique requirements of capsule-based delivery, including powder flow performance, capsule-device interaction, moisture sensitivity, and key aerodynamic properties. This fully integrated approach helps to accelerate cDPI product development from early concept through clinical evaluation and commercialization.

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The Capsugel® Zephyr® capsule portfolio is engineered for broad compatibility across a wide range of capsule-based dry powder inhaler devices and formulations

Given patient convenience and compatibility with a wide range of API formulations and doses, capsule-based dry powder inhalation (cDPI) is a versatile approach for respiratory drug products. Compatible with standard carrier‑based formulations as well as new engineered particles, such as jet‑milled and spray‑dried powders, capsule-based dry powder inhalation (cDPI) also serves as an ideal platform for combination drugs.

Our Capsugel® Zephyr® capsule portfolio, available in both gelatin and hypromellose (HPMC), offers consistent powder release, ideal puncturing and cutting performance as well as minimized powder retention to support efficient delivery of API to the lungs.

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Capsugel® Vcaps® Plus Zephyr Inhance® HPMC capsules

The next generation of capsule-based dry powder inhalation (cDPI) is being driven by advances in capsule polymer science. Capsule material selection, an often overlooked by critical factor in optimizing pulmonary drug delivery, has been shown to influence aersolization behavior in capsule-based dry powder inhalation (cDPI) systems.

In a recent study, our latest innovation, Capsugel® Vcaps® Plus Zephyr Inhance® capsules achieved a 47% higher lung-available dose compared to gelatin capsules and 27% higher than prior-generation HPMC capsules.¹

Capsugel® Vcaps® Plus Zephyr Inhance® capsules are designed to maximize drug delivery to the lungs, deliver reliable dose reproducibility, and support enhanced inhalation therapies.

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Integrated inhalation CDMO services from concept to commercialization

Innovation in capsule-based dry powder inhalation (cDPI) extends well beyond capsule design. Through our Global Pharmaceutical Solutions CDMO services, we deliver comprehensive end-to-end support for capsule-based dry powder inhalation (cDPI) drug products, from early concept through commercial manufacturing. Our integrated capabilities include formulation development, inhalation specific analytical testing, cGMP manufacturing, micro-dosing and low-dosing powder-in-capsule, packaging, stability testing, logistics, and regulatory support.

Combined with the early-stage expertise of Innovaform® Accelerator platform, Lonza Capsugel offers multiple entry points tailored to your inhalation drug program needs, enabling a seamless and efficient pathway across the full capsule-based dry powder inhalation (cDPI) development lifecycle.

Explore our full pharmaceutical CDMO services here