ABSTRACT
TYPE: TOPIC: Pharmacotherapeutics PURPOSE: The i-NEB-MiniTM is a jet nebulizer designed for controlled delivery of small (< 2 mL) volumes of potent drugs to the deep lung. The purpose of this study was to determine aerosol parameters and post nebulization drug activity of a novel formulation of recombinant Interferon Gamma (rIFNγ), a pluripotent molecule with Th1 helper cell activity. METHODS: rINFγ (200 μg/mL) was aerosolized using i-NEB-MiniTM driven by a portable compressor at 3.5 L/min. Two (2) mL was aerosolized into a Next Generation Impactor (NGI) using a 15 L/min vacuum. Aerosol parameters (MMAD, GSD, Total Respirable Dose) were determined using an HPLC assay (Vectura Ltd., UK). Bioactivity pre-/post-nebulization was determined using an HLADR assay (PBL Assay Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA). RESULTS: The MMAD, GSD and Total Respirable dose from a 200 μg/mL formulation (n=6) was 2.5 (± 0.2), 1.6 (± 0.4) and 123.7 (± 19.8) μg respectively. The bioactivity pre- and post-nebulization was consistent with the EP standard suggesting that nebulization did not affect biological activity of the protein. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that a clinically relevant and reproducible dose of rINFγ can be delivered with i-NEB-MiniTM. Bioactivity assay indicates that aerosol rINFγ retains protein integrity after nebulization. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: rINFγ is an immunomodulatory pleiotropic cytokine with potential for treatment of respiratory diseases such as Pulmonary Fibrosis, MDRTB, COPD and SARS-CoV-2. The results indicate that a clinically relevant dose of rINFγ can be aerosolized using the i-NEB-MiniTM jet nebulizer. DISCLOSURE: Stony Brook and New York University hold patents on the use of inhaled interferon licensed to InspiRx, Inc. Dr. Smaldone consults to InspiRx and is a member of the advisory board. Mr. Shukla and Dr. Toddywala are employees of InspiRx. KEYWORD: immunomodulation