Nebulizing Biologics

25. August 2025

Written by: Carolina Dantas (Medical & Scientific Affairs)

Why should biologics be nebulized?

The growing interest in the potential of the inhaled route for biologics is related to:
  • direct drug delivery in the targeted lung region (ex: alveolar or bronchial);
  • increasing local drug concentrations with reduced doses;
  • reduction of toxicities and side effects;
  • non-invasive administration, leading to better patient adherence and convenience;
  • reduction of costs and risks.
Nebulizers offer key advantages for respiratory drug delivery of biologics: high efficiency, targeted lung deposition, andcompatibility with liquid formulations.

How can biologics be nebulized?

Nebulization is a process that converts a liquid into a mist / aerosol that can be inhaled through the respiratory system. Vibrating mesh nebulizers (VMN) use a vibrating element connected to a mesh to generate aerosols. This system minimizes the amount of shear stress that the drug is subjected to, which is crucial for preserving the biological activityof macro molecules as biologics.
Compared to other types of nebulizers, VMN have an increased nebulization efficiency – higher drug delivery in less time – making them the preferred choice i.e. for protein nebulization.

Where are the challenges in nebulizing biologics?

The inhalation of biologics is not a straightforward process, as there are several challenges to overcome:
  • the natural protective mechanisms of the lung;
  • the pharmaceutical  properties of the formulation related to biologics delivery, as protein stability, aggregation and consequent potential for immunogenicity;
  • the interaction between the device and the drug, ultimately influencing its availability in the lungs.
Understanding and acknowledging these challenges is crucial for mitigating the risks associated with respiratory delivery of biologic drugs.
Partnerships established in early stages of product development allow an ideal combination-product, but device tailoring in later phases is also attainable due to customizable nebulizer platforms.

 

Join us to connect and explore opportunities that will drive innovation and create a positive impact on the advancements of nebulized biologics.