News | May 1, 2025

3P innovation Launches Next-Generation DPI Filling Technology For Novel Inhalation Therapeutics

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Patent expiry of original product enables 3P innovation to design enhanced equivalent DPI filling system for developers and CMOs.

Warwick, UK – 3P innovation, an international automation company specialising in high-precision liquid and powder drug filling systems, today announces market availability of its new, generic next-generation dry powder inhaler (DPI) filling technology.

3P innovation has launched the DPI filling technology as an enhanced equivalent product to the original high-speed powder filling system for the GSK Diskus DPI, which later became integral to the GSK Ellipta inhaler. The filling equipment patent for the GSK product was filed in 2002 and expired in April, 2022. 3P innovation’s technology is now able to fill inhalers with dry powder up to five times faster than all other current market alternatives. The product is also able to handle more challenging, highly potent and dusty powders with increased containment. It will also be able to process magnesium stearate and powders containing lubricants. As a result, this creates opportunities for the production of novel DPI formulations, including those combining active pharmaceutical ingredients, lactose and magnesium stearate.

3P innovation will bespoke build each new enhanced filling system to the specific requirements of developers, pharmaceutical firms, or contract manufacturers. This product will be available for all manufacturers looking to produce generic products from the original Diskus and Ellipta products. These generic inhalable therapeutic products will look to launch in 2029. As a result, 3P innovation will be installing commercial lines within the next 12 months.

One specific reason 3P innovation has achieved these improvements over market alternatives is the expertise of several team members who were part of the original engineering team behind GSK’s Diskus DPI filling technology patent in 2002, and who are now part of 3P innovation. These engineers have been able to add 23 years of additional experience since the Diskus patent was originally filed in 2002. With 20 years of experience in custom-built automation and technologies for drug delivery devices and containers, 3P innovation is a market leader, bringing the expertise and resources needed to drive these market advancements.

Tom Bailey
"Therapeutic developers are shifting their focus toward more efficient drug delivery methods. Inhalable therapies are gaining significant attention because they offer rapid onset of action and bypass the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, they can enhance treatment effectiveness and lower dosage needs. Demand for these inhalable products is also growing, driven by the increasing incidence of respiratory diseases. Coupled with advancements in biologic therapies, this trend is expected to lead to a rise in the number of treatments administered via inhalation in the coming years," said Tom Bailey, Founder of 3P innovation, and the leading developer responsible for the patenting of the high-speed powder filling system for the GSK Diskus DPI, which later became integral to the GSK Ellipta inhaler.

“The expiry of the Diskus DPI patent will enable lower cost medications and an improved access to an increased number of therapeutic options. 3P innovation has now created an equivalent high-speed powder filling system which is far more cost-effective and faster than market alternatives. This represents a considerable commercial and growth opportunity for 3P innovation. This will also have considerable benefits for patients of respiratory conditions as well as for healthcare systems internationally.”

3P innovation has published a whitepaper on the topic with additional details, which can be found here:

Optimizing DPI Production: Filling Technologies For Precision And Performance

For more information about 3P innovation’s Compression Blister line:

DPI Blister Filling Technology Brochure

About 3P innovation

3P innovation delivers precision-engineered automation solutions for pharmaceutical and industrial manufacturers facing complex production challenges. By integrating sophisticated technology, it helps customers scale efficiently, maintain accuracy, and ensure compliance throughout product development and manufacturing.

With premium engineering quality and exceptional adaptability, 3P Innovation specialises in intricate applications where standard equipment falls short. Pairing the technical sophistication of larger competitors with a level of responsiveness and attention that sets it apart, 3P mitigates innovation risk via its proof-of-principle methodology and prompt issue resolution with dedicated support. Through this distinctive approach, manufacturers innovate with confidence, accelerate time-to-market, and achieve manufacturing excellence even in the most stringent environments.

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