‘Electronic Inhaler’ for Rapid Delivery of Morphine in Cancer Pain

HAYWARD, Calif—Aradigm Corporation is working with SmithKline Beecham to develop a self-administered pulmonary drug delivery system to provide rapid pain relief. The new product is being developed for the treatment of cancer-related pain, especially breakthrough pain, as well as postoperative pain.

The companies describe the hand-held device, called the AERx Pain Management System, as an “electronic inhaler.” Its design combines Aradigm’s proprietary pulmonary delivery technology with disposable liquid morphine packets.

To prevent the possibility of overdosing or misuse, the design will include technology to identify the patient, as well as automatic recording of all dosage events.

In a phase I trial in healthy volunteers, the speed and reproducibility of morphine delivery via the lung using the AERx technology was comparable to that of morphine delivered intravenously, the companies said. Pivotal clinical trials are expected to start next year.