Patent ID: 8479728
Filing Date: 2013-07-09
Classification: A61M,A61P

Abstract:
1. A method of delivering controlled amounts of one or more bioactive agents to the lungs of a subject, comprising the steps of: providing to said subject inhalable water vapor in a first stream; providing to said subject an aerosol including particles or droplets containing said one or more bioactive agents in a second stream, said particles or droplets having an initial diameter of 2 μm or less to minimize deposition of said particles or droplets in the mouth and throat of said subject; and mixing said first stream and said second stream in one or more of a mixing device, the nasal passage, the mouth-throat region, and the upper tracheobronchial airways of said subject; wherein said step of providing inhalable water vapor creates supersaturated relative humidity in said subject's respiratory tract; wherein said particles or droplets are caused by said supersaturated relative humidity to increase in diameter in said subject's respiratory tract due to water vapor condensation; and wherein a subsequent diameter of said particles or droplets in said subject's respiratory tract causes enhanced deposition in the lungs.