Dr. Greenleaf studies innovative ways to deliver respiratory treatments using tiny particles called microparticles. These microparticles help carry medications directly to the lungs, enhancing the effectiveness of drugs, especially those that contain large protein molecules. His work explores how different ingredients and techniques can influence the size, stability, and delivery efficiency of these particles, ultimately aiming to make treatments for conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) more effective. He also assesses the patent landscape for inhalers to understand how new designs and technologies can benefit patients by eliminating harmful substances.
Key findings
Using half a milliliter of a specific liquid mix created microparticles about 23 micrometers in size; larger volumes decreased their drug-holding capacity.
The right stabilizer added to protein-loaded microparticles allowed an inhaler to deliver around 98% of the expected dose compared to only 37% without it.
The study of non-CFC inhalers highlights a significant landscape of ongoing patent disputes and the limited availability of new inhaler designs.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Greenleaf study respiratory conditions?
Yes, Dr. Greenleaf's research focuses on improving drug delivery for patients with respiratory conditions.
What treatments has Dr. Greenleaf researched?
He has researched the effectiveness of microparticles and inhalers that deliver medications directly to the lungs, especially those containing proteins.
Is Dr. Greenleaf's work relevant to patients who use inhalers?
Absolutely, his research aims to enhance inhaler technology and drug delivery, benefiting patients who rely on inhalers for respiratory treatments.
Publications in plain English
Impact of surfactant selection on the formulation and characterization of microparticles for pulmonary drug delivery.
2015
Drug development and industrial pharmacy
Cocks E, Alpar O, Somavarapu S, Greenleaf D
Plain English Researchers studied how different ingredients can affect the creation of tiny particles used to deliver drugs directly to the lungs. They found that using half a milliliter of a certain liquid mix created particles about 23 micrometers in size, while increasing that mix to 2 milliliters made the particles less effective at holding the drug. This is important because altering the ingredients can improve how well these particles work in delivering treatments directly to the lungs.
Who this helps: This helps patients needing respiratory treatment and doctors looking for effective delivery methods.
Influence of suspension stabilisers on the delivery of protein-loaded porous poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles via pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI).
2014
Pharmaceutical research
Cocks E, Somavarapu S, Alpar O, Greenleaf D
Plain English This study looked at how to effectively deliver protein-loaded microparticles using a special inhaler. Researchers found that adding specific stabilizers (like PVP K30) greatly improved the stability and delivery of these microparticles; for instance, with the right stabilizer, the inhaler delivered around 98% of the expected dose at the start compared to just 37% without it. This is important because it means that medications containing large protein molecules could be delivered more reliably to the lungs, making treatments more effective.
Who this helps: Patients with respiratory conditions who need protein-based therapies.
Non-CFC metered dose inhalers: the patent landscape.
1999
International journal of pharmaceutics
Bowman PA, Greenleaf D
Plain English This research looked at the many patents filed in Europe over the last ten years for inhalers that don't use harmful CFC gases. The study found that while some patents are for new inhaler designs and drugs, many are being contested, mainly because some believe they are too obvious. Currently, few non-CFC inhalers are available, so the full status of these patents is still unclear.
Who this helps: This helps patients who rely on inhalers for respiratory conditions.