Dr. Nicolas Buchmann
Programme Manager at Vectura Group plc.
Dr. Nicolas Buchmann is Programme Manager at Vectura Group plc. He has gained extensive experience as Programme and Project Manager and is leading drug-device combination programmes with pMDIs, development projects with connected inhalation devices, smart nebuliser technology developments and was also deeply involved in the development of novel aerosol generation technologies. At his work at Vectura. His educational background is engineering profession with a Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering
Smart Nebulisers - Opportunities for Development of Drug Products
- A number of companies (ranging from large to speciality pharma) have strategic initiatives to reposition or repurpose known chemical entities “old drugs” for or within inhalation therapy. Many of these programmes are focussed on developing value-added or differentiated products for “on target” respiratory or “off-target” systemic indications to meet a particular unmet therapeutic need. With lower risk profile compared to New Chemical Entity (NCE) product developments using known drugs offer new opportunities by using new technologies
- Products delivered via smart nebulisation, e.g., via AKITA® JET or FOX® nebulisers, can provide the value propositions that merit their development as repositioned drugs. These nebulisers guide patients achieve the correct inhalation technique and deliver a greater proportion of drug to the lungs with reduced variability, as well as monitor treatment compliance through their connectivity. These attributes may improve patient outcomes and lead to better patient satisfaction and adherence. In both products, a Bluetooth-enabled app records inhalation and adherence data for sharing with the caregiver or physician
- Many poorly treated orphan, rare, or neglected respiratory diseases are benefiting from such repositioned developments providing efficacious licensed products to patients where previously few existed or where off-label drug use is common. Repositioned product developments include anti-infectives for a variety of conditions; CF, NCFB, MAC and tuberculosis, as well as, products to treat niche indications; in lung cancer, severe uncontrolled asthma/COPD, chronic cough, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) etc