In Vitro Aerosol Deposition in the Oropharyngeal Region for Staccato® Loxapine

Abstract Background: The Staccato® system employs a thermal vaporization technology to generate pure drug aerosols with a particle size optimized for alveolar deposition, leading to rapid absorption of the drug into the systemic circulation. Unlike most traditional aerosol-generation techniques, the particle size of the thermally generated aerosols is significantly affected by the airflow rate going through the device. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of flow rate and other operating conditions on predicted oropharyngeal and lung deposition when using the Staccato system. Methods: In vitro oropharyngeal deposition was measured at airflow rates of 15–80 L/min through the device. Oropharyngeal deposition was also measured for different inhalation profiles, different ambient temperatures and humidities, and device orientations. Deposition was measured using the Alberta geometry model, which was derived based on information available in the literature, CT scans of patients, and observa...