Valois a Key Component in the Asthma Challenge

Partnering since 60 years with the world leading pharmaceutical companies to develop those innovative pMDIs, Valois Pharma is the world leading supplier of aerosol metering valves for CFC-free formulations.

12/05/07 Valois Pharma, a renowned expert in the design, development and manufacture of metering valves - a key component of the pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDIs) is extending its offer of metering valves with a range of innovative materials as well as dose counters, to the benefit of asthmatic patients. Partnering since 60 years with the world leading pharmaceutical companies to develop those innovative pMDIs, Valois Pharma is the world leading supplier of aerosol metering valves for CFC-free formulations. Hence not only does Valois Pharma contribute to better solutions for the patients but safer ones for the environment as well.

An international challenge

Asthma has become a health issue world wide as it is one of the most common chronic illnesses affecting an increasing number of people. In developed countries of the world at least, key epidemiological and clinical research has been useful in curbing the severity of the illness. However, the declining quality of our environment is resulting in a growing number of sufferers.

How many asthmatics are there worldwide?

The estimated number of asthmatics is over 300 million worldwide. This astronomical figure shows the extent of the problem. There are nearly 30 million asthmatics in Europe.

How does this affect the economy?

Financially, asthma-related costs are very high. Over 500 million pMDIs are used each year worldwide to treat respiratory illnesses and the cost of treatment is fast increasing, currently standing at 17,7 billion euros per year in Europe.

"How does a pMDI operates"?

These complex systems comprise spray containers, generally in aluminium, with an attached metering valve. The medicine and propellant mix is pressure filled into the container under very high pressure. The valve doses the medicine with extreme accuracy. When it meets the air, the product is expelled in the form of particles which directly pass into the airways.

Asthma treatments

Allowing the medicines to directly reach the bronchi and the lungs, inhalation via the pulmonary route presents three main and conclusive advantages:

• "Highly effective & Fast action": because the product directly reaches the area concerned, the onset of action is immediate. Once inhaled, the product starts to work as soon as it touches the internal wall of the bronchus or lung.

• Fewer side effects: as the dose required is low compared with medicine taken in tablet form, and as it doesn't act on other parts of the body, the product will be better tolerated and will produce fewer side effects.

These novel valves are part of a wide range of innovative drug delivery devices offered by Valois Pharma which includes Landmark, the recently developed dose indicator for pMDIs.

To contact our editorial team please email us at editorial@cnsmedia.com