Patent Description:
A variety of drugs is intended to be delivered to the patient via the respiratory system, by the way of inhalation. Such inhalation may be effected in two different types, one in the form of so-called dry inhalation and the other in the form of so-called moist inhalation or liquid inhalation.

In the type of dry inhalation, the active ingredient is inhaled as a powder-air mixture, and the device used for such dry inhalation typically is referred to as inhaler. The advantage of such dry inhalation is that the administered dose is always precisely determined. The disadvantage of the inhalers, however, is that for correct application it is necessary to coordinate the inhalation exactly with the release of the stroke. Therefore, inhalers are less suitable for babies and small children. Dry inhalation is most often used to administer bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents. Emergency medications for asthma and other chronic lower respiratory diseases are also carried in inhalers.

For moist inhalation or liquid inhalation, in contrast, typically so-called inhalation devices, also referred to as nebulizers, are used. In this type of inhalation, an aerosol from the active substance is generated, which then is provided to the patient for aspiration. The aerosol to be inhaled can be produced by different techniques. Depending on the technology, a distinction is made between ultrasonic, compressed air (or compressor) or membrane nebulizers. The active substance in such systems is inhaled in tiny droplets. The size of the droplets can be precisely determined, thus optimally reaching either the upper, middle, or lower respiratory tract. Therefore, the inhalation devices are suitable for a wide range of respiratory diseases.

An advantage of such nebulizers is that they do not require any special breathing technique since inhalation can also be performed through a mask. Therefore, inhalation devices are particularly suitable for small children and babies. The disadvantage of this method is the longer time needed to administer the same amount of active ingredient.

For the application of medical substances or drugs via nebulizers, the liquid containing the active ingredient may be supplied to an integrated container of the nebulizer systems, from which it is delivered to the actual nebulizer unit, typically an ultrasonic or membrane nebulizer. In such systems, however, no sterile environment may be maintained, thereby limiting the potential field of applications. Further, handling of the components requires various steps and may be difficult for the individual, in particular if the patient himself is expected to use the system. In order to overcome these deficiencies, the drug may be delivered to the nebulizer in pre-filled cartridges. The use of such drug containing cartridges in soft mist inhaler systems is known, e. , from <CIT>. Such a soft mist inhaler, however, is not strictly a nebulizer, and it is a multi dose device with very small doses at <NUM> so that a cartridge may contain up to <NUM> doses.

Cartridges are commonly used to store drug formulations. They are described in ISO <NUM>-<NUM>. The cartridge comprises of a glass or plastic barrel, a pierceable septum held by a crimped metal ferrule at one end and a stopper/piston at the other. Usually, an injection needle is manually attached by the user before use by screwing a double ended needle, comprising of an injection and a septum needle, on to a cartridge holder or other device such as a pen holding the cartridge. This perforates or pierces the septum making a fluid pathway between the cartridge drug contents and the injection needle. Such arrangements, in which the cartridge typically contains one large dose to be delivered to the patient, are typically used in pen injectors such as insulin pens and cartridge-based dentistry syringes.

An arrangement with a septum needle and a delivery nozzle instead of an injection needle may also be used to deliver to drug delivery device such as a nebulizer or inhale or other delivery device.

Cartridges are available in both ready to fill and much cheaper bulk formats. They can be filled like syringes by capping, filling and stoppering or bubble free by stoppering, filling and capping.

Some prior art nebulizers are also known from the documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

The present invention provides a nebulization system according to claim <NUM>, and an inhalation device according to claim <NUM>.

Reference will be made in the following description to various examples or aspects of the present technology. Examples or aspects disclosed herein which do not fall under the scope of the appended claims do not form part of the present invention, but are useful for understanding the principles of the invention.

The present technology relates to an inhalation device, in particluar a nebulizer, including a cartridge-based assembly designed to deliver a drug formulation to the nebulizer, which is particularly suitable for delivering a medical drug to a patient. It is an object of the present technology to provide a drug supply unit for such an inhalation device, based upon the use of pre-filled cartridges, that is particularly user friendly and ease and safe to use even for self-application of the drugs.

According to the present technology, this object is achieved with a drug supply unit for an inhalation device comprising a cartridge containing a drug formulation solution, with a housing, in which the cartridge is arranged so as to be displaceable in a longitudinal direction, the housing having a septum needle in an end region, which, in an active position of the cartridge, pierces a septum arranged at the distal end of the cartridge when the cartridge is completely displaced in the longitudinal direction towards the end region, and having a releasable lock which fixes the cartridge in a passive position within the housing in such a way that the septum needle is held at a distance from the septum.

The technology is based upon the consideration that for a safe, easy-to-use design of an inhalation device, the intended use of pre-filled cartridges for supplying the drugs or active substances may be very convenient. Such pre-filled cartridges, comparably to the use of pre-filled syringes, may be delivered to the user in sealed conditions. Access to the drug or active substance within the cartridge may then be provided by using a septum needle that pierces the septum at one end of the cartridge which is typically provided as sealing element for such cartridges. For easy and reliable use, engaging of the cartridge with the septum needle should be designed carefully and reliable, and for this purpose the technology provides a housing in which the cartridge is allowed to slide along a longitudinal direction. At one end region, the septum needle is provided, and for accessing the interior of the cartridge, the cartridge may be moved within the housing towards the septum needle until the septum needle pierces the septum and thus accesses the interior. This "opening" step of the sealed cartridge may be performed and highly controlled and stable conditions and is therefore easy to perform even by an untrained user.

In this setup, an unintended opening or access to the interior of the container should reliably be avoided. For this purpose, the technology provides a mechanism that keeps the cartridge out of range of the septum needle until opening purposefully is initiated by the user. For this purpose, the technology provides a locking mechanism that keeps the cartridge in a first, passive position far enough away from the septum needle. The cartridge may then be moved into an active position, in which the septum needle is allowed to penetrate the septum, after intentional disengaging or releasing of the lock by the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the lock of the drug supply comprises a locking pin which in a locking position protrudes into the interior of the housing, thereby mechanically blocking the movement of the cartridge within the housing. In unlocked mode, in which the cartridge should be allowed to move within the housing, the locking pin preferably is then allowed to move radially outward from the interior of the housing.

In one aspect of the technology, the drug supply system is part of a nebulization system. The nebulization system, in addition to the drug supply unit as described above, in this aspect of the technology further comprises a nebulizer body with a nebulization chamber, wherein said septum needle is in fluid communication with a nozzle extending into said nebulization chamber. Accordingly, when the catridge within the housing is brought into active position, the interior of the cartridge, via septum needle and nozzle, is fluidly connected with the nebulization chamber, and thus the drug formula solution is allowed to flow from the cartridge into the nebulization chamber. In an aspect of the technology, unlocking of said lock is then effected by a twisting or rotating motion of the housing around its longitudinal direction relative to the nebulizer body.

In another aspect of the technology, the inhalation device comprising a nebulization system of the type presented above is connected to a power supply and control unit by an electric connection system, wherein said electric connection system comprises a number of paired connector elements that are individualized with respect to the drug to be delivered. In other words: "paired connector elements" is supposed to mean that, by means of geometry, design, or electronic functions, only paired pieces of elements may be connected to each other. According to an aspect of the technology, this pairing is based upon the elements being associated to individual drugs or dosages. In this way, a safety feature can be provided that allows coupling of the elements, i. coupling the nebulization system to the electric power and control unit, only under the condition that both parts refer to the same intended drug and/or dosage. Therefore, if a patient is reusing the power and control unit, but using one-time nebulizers, only components providing the correct medication for the individual patient can be connected to the patient's multi-use power and control unit.

In view of the high requirements with respect to reliability and precision in the context of drug delivery, the nebulizer according in a preferred embodiment comprises a nebulizing element making use of a vibrating mesh for atomizing the delivered liquid.

According to various aspects of the technology, one or more of the following features are provided, in particular in any suitable combination:.

The cartridge may be held in the first position by interference fit or friction between the cartridge barrel and the outer casing or housing.

The cartridge may be held in the first position by a deformable or movable stop on the cartridge shoulder or cap.

The cartridge may be further held in the first position by a lock on the cartridge shoulder or cap that is released by activating a switch or button or by rotating the syringe relative to the nebulizer or any other means.

The cartridge may be held in the first position by a combination of two or all three of the above methods.

To use the device the user simply pushes the plunger rod with sufficient force to move the cartridge from the first position to the second position to overcome the interference fit or friction and or the deformable or movable stop. This moves the cartridge to the second position towards the needle arrangement perforating the septum making the system ready for delivering the drug to the inhaler. Further pushing of the plunger rod then delivers the drug formulation to the nebulizer.

The cartridge may be filled bubble free or with an air bubble. This makes no difference to the use of the device.

The device may have a locking mechanism that holds the cartridge in place before use. If the device has a locking mechanism this needs to be unlocked by a switch or button or other means so that the cartridge can be pushed to the second position by depressing the plunger rod.

The syringe or outer casing may be supplied separately from the nebulizer or pre-assembled with the nebulizer. If supplied separately the cartridge lock may independent from the nebulizer and the unlocking may take place when the syringe is pushed into the nebulizer and the syringe is rotated relative to the nebulizer. If supplied pre-assembled the unlocking may take place when the syringe is rotated relative to the nebulizer.

The device may include a nozzle cap to cover the nozzle prior to use. The nozzle cap can be used to lock the cartridge at the first position before use. This locking feature may be part of the cap or the housing in which case the lock is held in the locked position by the cap. The cap may have an opening that allows the nozzle to protrude through. When pushing the syringe into the nebulizer the cap may be pushed back freeing the lock. The lock is only finally released when the syringe is rotated relative to the nebulizer allowing the cartridge to move forward piercing the septum and delivering the drug contents into the nebulizer.

The whole assembly including the cartridge may be terminally sterilized in a blister or other outer packaging. Depending on the drug type and the packaging and device materials the drug filled system can be sterilized using moist heat (steam), dry heat, gamma radiation or other radiation, ethylene oxide gas, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide gas, vaporized peracetic acid and nitrogen dioxide.

The cartridge barrel may be made of glass or plastic such as COC or COP and in accordance with ISO <NUM>-<NUM>.

The current technology is a great improvement over the existing state of the art drug containers for nebulizers. The drug is stored in a cartridge with the drug only in contact with the barrel material, glass or plastic and an elastomeric material. This is the same as with storage in a vial. Additionally, the cartridge may have the superior baked-on silicone for improved stopper travel and drug stability and the whole system with filled cartridge may be terminally sterilized.

An embodiment of the technology is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Therein show:.

Identical parts are provided with the same reference signs in all figures. The technology will be explained below primarily with reference to the embodiments shown. However, other embodiments are of course also conceivable and covered by the present technology.

The cartridge <NUM> according to <FIG> has a plastic or glass barrel <NUM>, providing the actual container for a liquid medication or drug. The barrel <NUM> has an open or proximal end <NUM> and a sealed or distal end <NUM> closed with a cap or septum <NUM>. A movable stopper <NUM> inserted into the open end <NUM> and the septum <NUM> seal a drug formulation solution <NUM>, in particular a liquid, within the barrel <NUM>. A plunger rod <NUM> with finger pad <NUM> is engaged with stopper <NUM> such that stopper <NUM> can be pushed forwards and backwards in the barrel <NUM> by plunger rod <NUM>.

Such cartridges <NUM> are fully described in ISO <NUM>-<NUM> and can have glass or plastic barrels <NUM>.

The nebulizer system <NUM> in accordance with the present technology is shown in <FIG>. In its basic concept it is designed to be particularly useful and convenient for nebulizing and delivering the liquid drug formulation solution <NUM> contained in a cartridge <NUM> of the type shown in <FIG>. The cartridge <NUM> is mounted within a casing or housing <NUM> at a first position. The assembly of cartridge <NUM> and housing <NUM> forms a drug supply unit <NUM>. Housing <NUM> is mounted in a nebulizer body <NUM>. Fixed to housing <NUM>, a septum needle <NUM> is provided in fluid communication with a delivery nozzle <NUM>. Nozzle <NUM> within the nebulizer body <NUM> extends into a nebulizer chamber <NUM> in which the actual nebulization element <NUM> is provided. In the embodiment shown, nebulization element <NUM> is an ultrasonic nebulizer. In accordance with an aspect of the technology and in a preferred embodiment, however, nebulization element <NUM> comprises a vibrating mesh.

In one independently inventive aspect of the embodiment shown, the ensemble of cartridge <NUM> in combination with plunger rod <NUM>, housing <NUM>, and septum needle <NUM> is functionally and in its design and layout comparable and equivalent to a prefilled and cartridge-loaded syringe, the main difference being that in the embodiment shown, the septum needle <NUM>, rather than being in fluid communication with an injection needle, is in fluid communication with the nozzle <NUM>.

In the status as shown in <FIG>, cartridge <NUM> is locked in a given first position within housing <NUM> in order to prevent unintended, accidental movement. In order to prevent cartridge <NUM> from unintended axial moving under user force on plunger rod <NUM> in the direction towards the septum needle <NUM> to a second position within housing <NUM>, a lock <NUM> is provided. Lock or locking pin <NUM> in the embodiment shown is designed as a locking wedge <NUM> with an angled side in the status shown in <FIG> protruding into the interior of housing <NUM> and with its distal end or angled side <NUM> engaging with distal end <NUM> of barrel <NUM>. In its longitudinal direction, locking pin <NUM> in turn is blocked from moving outwards by the nebulizer body <NUM>.

Nebulizer body <NUM> further is provided with a mouthpiece <NUM> for delivering the aerosolized drug formulation to the user. Further, an electrical connector <NUM> is provided at nebulizer body <NUM> that supplies the necessary power and control signals/nebulizing instructions to the nebulization element <NUM>. In this embodiment the cartridge housing <NUM> and the nebulizer body <NUM> are supplied assembled to user. In an aspect of the technology, the total (preassembled) assembly may be terminally sterilized after assembly and supplied in a sterile blister to the user. <FIG> a,b show the first user steps required to operate the inhalation device <NUM>. For operating the nebulization system <NUM>, lock <NUM> must be disengaged in order to enable the user to move the cartridge <NUM> within the housing <NUM> towards the septum needle <NUM> such that it can penetrate septum <NUM> of cartridge <NUM>. According to an aspect of the present technology, in the embodiment shown unlocking of lock <NUM> is effected by a twisting or rotating motion of housing <NUM> around its longitudinal direction relative to nebulizer body <NUM> until locking pin <NUM> rotationally overlaps with a corresponding recess <NUM> or cavity in nebulizer body <NUM>. Recess <NUM> is designed such that locking pin <NUM> can slide freely therein such that in this orientational direction it is free to move radially outward and thereby no longer impedes cartridge <NUM> from being moved forward in housing <NUM> in the direction towards septum needle <NUM>.

For illustration, <FIG> shows the assembly in the first position as shown in <FIG>. <FIG>, in turn, shows the assembly after the user has rotated or twisted the cartridge housing <NUM> relative to nebulizer body <NUM> as shown by arrow <NUM>. (Accordingly, in <FIG> and subsequent Figs. the nebulizer body <NUM> is shown in a rotated position realive to the cartridge housing <NUM>). By rotating housing <NUM> relative to nebulizer body <NUM> the lock <NUM> therefore is free to move outwards thereby freeing cartridge <NUM> so it can be pushed by user towards septum needle <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the assembly after the user has pushed the cartridge <NUM> downwards towards the nebulizer chamber <NUM> as shown by arrow <NUM>. As indicated in step according to <FIG>, lock <NUM> has been unlocked by forcing locking pin <NUM> sideways into cavity <NUM> in nebulizer body <NUM>. As a consequence of pushing cartridge <NUM> downwards, septum needle <NUM> has perforated septum <NUM>, thereby opening a fluid connection between the interior of barrel <NUM> and, via nozzle <NUM>, nebulizer chamber <NUM>. Therefore, in the state shown in <FIG>, drug formulation solution <NUM> now is able to flow from barrel <NUM> into nebulizer chamber <NUM>. Further pushing of plunger <NUM> delivers the drug formulation contents <NUM> to the nebulizer chamber <NUM> as shown in <FIG> where the contents <NUM> are stored in a reservoir ready for atomization by nebulizer element <NUM>.

In total, the drug supply unit <NUM> as described above comprises the cartridge <NUM> containing a drug formulation solution <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, in which the cartridge <NUM> is arranged so as to be displaceable in a longitudinal direction. The housing <NUM> also has a septum needle <NUM> in an end region, which, in an active position of the cartridge <NUM>, pierces the septum <NUM> arranged at the distal end <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> when the cartridge <NUM> is completely displaced in the longitudinal direction towards the end region. The supply unit <NUM> also has a releasable lock <NUM> which fixes the cartridge <NUM> in a passive position within the housing <NUM> in such a way that the septum needle <NUM> is held at a distance from the septum <NUM> if the system is not ready for dispensing the drug formulation solution yet.

The completed assembly or nebulization system <NUM> in the status as shown in <FIG> can be converted into a fully operative inhalation device <NUM> by combining it with a corresponding power supply unit <NUM>. This complete inhalation device <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. More specifically, <FIG> shows the assembly mounted in power source and controlling unit <NUM>. Controlling unit or power supply unit <NUM> determines the correct power and nebulizing time for each drug type and dose. Further, power and control unit <NUM> also provides an outer shell or casing for the assembled device, into which the nebulizer system <NUM> only can be inserted with rod <NUM> pushed into barrel <NUM>, i. in "primed" or activated condition of nebulizer system <NUM> with the drug formulation solution <NUM> transferred into nebulization chamber <NUM>.

According to an individually inventive aspect of the technology, the electric connection between electrical connector <NUM> and its counterpart in power supply unit <NUM> is individualized in the sense that their shape and geometry are individual and exclusive for an individual or specific drug. In other words, electrical connector <NUM> (and its matching counterpart in power supply unit <NUM>) is unique to each drug and dose type and slots into the correct female connector <NUM> on controlling unit <NUM>. With this inventive concept, the assembly of cartridge <NUM> and the other components altogether providing nebulization system <NUM> may be preassembled and provided to the user as a complete assembly, whereas the power supply unit <NUM> may be designed as a multiple use unit that may be reused by the user several times, Due to the drug specific, indivualized electrical connection system, the user will have an additional safety feature making sure that he is about to use the correct drug as intended: due to the drug-specific design of the connection, only nebulization systems <NUM> containing the correct drug in correct dosage can be connected to the handpiece or power and control unit <NUM>.

In another aspect of the technology, as an additional safety feature, for actual nebulization, plunger <NUM> must be fully depressed before the nebulization system <NUM> can be slotted into place and fully connected to power supply and control unit <NUM>. This ensures the nebulizer is properly primed before connecting to power source <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of the technology. In this embodiment, the housing <NUM>' in which the cartridge <NUM> is provided, at first is not positioned in the nebulizer body <NUM> yet but is intended to be provided independently for later attachment to nebulizer body <NUM>. For reference and comparison, <FIG> again shows the cartridge <NUM> and plunger <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, cartridge housing <NUM>' equipped with septum needle <NUM> has a nozzle cap <NUM> covering nozzle <NUM>. Cap <NUM> has openings <NUM> and <NUM>. Cap <NUM> is rotationally fixed to housing <NUM>' and therefore is prevented from rotating on housing <NUM>'. In this alternative, inventive embodiment the cartridge <NUM> is supplied to the user only assembled with the housing <NUM>' and not also the nebulizer body <NUM>. In this embodiment, in an aspect of the technology the cartridge <NUM> is prevented from moving axially downwards in housing <NUM>' by lock <NUM> because locking pin <NUM> is prevented from moving out sideways by cap <NUM>. This prevents the user inadvertently activating the device. The assembly shown in <FIG> may be terminally sterilized in a blister. In total, the assembly shown in <FIG> is also considered to be a drug supply unit <NUM>' in accordance with the technology, of a type that can be marketed or provided to the user as a separate, integer entity.

<FIG> shows the use of the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG> in a nebulizer system <NUM>'. In <FIG> the assembly of cartridge <NUM> and housing <NUM>' are inserted into the nebulizer body <NUM>. In <FIG> the plunger <NUM> has been pressed by the user and in consequence cartridge <NUM> has moved downwards in receiving socket <NUM> in nebulizer body <NUM> together with housing <NUM>'. Housing <NUM>' consequently has moved axially relative to cap <NUM> allowing the nozzle <NUM> to enter nebulizer chamber <NUM> while at the same time aligning a release opening <NUM> of cap <NUM> with locking pin <NUM>. According to an aspect of the present technology, the assembly is now ready for final unlocking of lock <NUM>, which again may be effected by a twisting or rotating motion of housing <NUM>' around its longitudinal direction until release opening <NUM> together with locking pin <NUM> rotationally overlap with corresponding recess <NUM> or cavity in nebulizer body <NUM>. As in previous embodiment, recess <NUM> is designed such that locking pin <NUM> can slide freely therein such that in this orientational direction it is free to move radially outward and thereby no longer impedes cartridge <NUM> from being moved forward in housing <NUM>' in the direction towards septum needle <NUM>.

For illustration, <FIG> shows that housing <NUM>' has rotated relative to nebulizer chamber <NUM> aligning release opening <NUM> and locking pin <NUM> with cavity <NUM>. In <FIG> the plunger <NUM> has been pressed by the user as shown by arrow <NUM> forcing septum needle <NUM> to pierce septum <NUM> ready for delivering contents <NUM> to nebulizer chamber <NUM> by further pressing plunger <NUM> as shown by arrow <NUM>. In this embodiment, the position of lock <NUM> and cavity <NUM> may be reversed. More than one lock <NUM> may be used.

In yet another embodiment, shown in <FIG>, instead of cap <NUM>, a sleeve <NUM> slidingly positioned outside on housing <NUM>" and containing release opening <NUM> may be provided. In this embodiment, no front protection is provided for nozzle <NUM>. In this case the sleeve <NUM> may engage with a shoulder <NUM> in the nebulizer body <NUM>. Alternatively, the sleeve <NUM> may be a short sleeve <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, sleeve <NUM> covers the locking pin <NUM> and therefore lock <NUM>. Sleeve <NUM> is prevented from rotating on housing <NUM>". In this embodiment the cartridge <NUM> also is supplied to the user only assembled with the housing <NUM>" and not also the nebulizer body <NUM>. In this embodiment, the cartridge <NUM> is prevented from moving axially downwards in housing <NUM>" by lock <NUM> because locking pin <NUM> is prevented from moving out sideways by sleeve <NUM>. This prevents the user inadvertently activating the device. In <FIG> the syringe-type assembly of cartridge <NUM> and housing <NUM>" are shown assembled into the nebulizer body <NUM>. After pushing housing <NUM>" into corresponding receiving socket <NUM> in nebulizer body <NUM>, sleeve <NUM> has moved upwards by engaging with shoulder <NUM> in nebulizer body <NUM>, thereby releasing locking pin <NUM> from coverage by sleeve <NUM>. In this position, locking pin <NUM> now is prevented from moving out sideways by surrounding nebulizer body <NUM>. From there, housing <NUM>" may be rotated in nebulizer body <NUM> to bring locking pin <NUM> in overlap with cavity <NUM> such that locking pin <NUM> now is free to move out sideways. <FIG> shows the assembly before such final rotation to fully release lock <NUM>.

An alternative lock is shown in <FIG>. Lock <NUM>' is formed as part of housing <NUM>‴. In <FIG> it is prevented from bending outwards by lock ring <NUM>. In <FIG> lock ring <NUM> has been moved upwards freeing the lock <NUM>' and allowing cartridge <NUM> to force lock <NUM>' out of the way and allowing cartridge <NUM> to be pushed forward so that cartridge septum <NUM> is pierced by needle <NUM> ready for contents delivery into nebulizer chamber <NUM>.

It is preferable that when the syringe-type assembly is rotated relative to the nebulizer body <NUM> that the rotation is limited by a stop to prevent over rotation.

The septum needle <NUM> may be any hypodermic type or other delivery needle. In a preferred embodiment the gauge of the needle <NUM> is as small as possible or with the largest diameter to minimize resistance when the contents are injected into the nebulizer. It is preferably that the gauge is between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In all the embodiments above there may be more than one lock <NUM>, <NUM>'.

Claim 1:
Nebulization system (<NUM>, <NUM>') comprising a drug supply unit (<NUM>, <NUM>') for an inhalation device (<NUM>), said drug supply unit (<NUM>,<NUM>') comprising a cartridge (<NUM>) containing a drug formulation solution (<NUM>), with a housing (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴), in which the cartridge (<NUM>) is arranged so as to be displaceable in a longitudinal direction, the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴) having a septum needle (<NUM>) in an end region, which, in an active position of the cartridge (<NUM>), pierces a septum (<NUM>) arranged at the distal end (<NUM>) of the cartridge (<NUM>) when the cartridge (<NUM>) is completely displaced in the longitudinal direction towards the end region, and having a releasable lock (<NUM>) which fixes the cartridge (<NUM>) in a passive position within the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴) in such a way that the septum needle (<NUM>) is held at a distance from the septum (<NUM>), and further comprising a nebulizer body (<NUM>) with a nebulization chamber (<NUM>), wherein said septum needle (<NUM>) is in fluid communication with a nozzle (<NUM>) extending into said nebulization chamber (<NUM>), characterized in that unlocking of lock (<NUM>) is effected by a twisting or rotating motion of the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴) around its longitudinal direction relative to the nebulizer body (<NUM>).