An evaluation of two aerosol delivery systems for rhDNase.

Increasingly, proteins are delivered to the respiratory tract as an aerosol, and clinical efficacy is dependent on optimal delivery of the protein in an intact form. The object of this study was to compare the in vivo and in vitro results of two aerosol delivery systems for the aerosolization of recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (rhDNase) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Patients with CF who were to be initiated on rhDNase were randomized either to the Hudson nebulizer and Pulmo-Aide compressor or to the Sidestream nebulizer driven by the CR50 air compressor. An in vitro study was performed in six sets of the two aerosol delivery systems. One hundred and seventy three patients were randomized in this open study, where rhDNase was administered for 7 days. Improvements in pulmonary function were observed in both groups following 1 week of therapy with rhDNase. Changes in the Sidestream/CR50 and Hudson/Pulmo-Aide groups, respectively, were: 16 and 11% for forced expiratory volume in one second (p=0.14); 12 and 10% for forced vital capacity (p=0.70); and 14 and 7% for forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of expiration (FEF(25-75)) (p=0.18). A greater proportion of patients in the Sidestream/CR50 group (58%) had a >10% response in FEF(25-75) compared to the Hudson/Pulmo-Aide group (42%; p=0.03). The Sidestream nebulizer had a faster nebulization rate (p<0.05), lower mass median diameter for the aerosol mass produced (p<0.001), higher percentage of particles in the respirable range (p<0.001) and greater respirable output (p<0.005), compared to the Hudson nebulizer. The Sidestream/CR50 combination is a quicker, more efficient system in vitro than the Hudson/Pulmo-Aide combination, whereas the in vivo study only suggested a difference. Clinically, the two systems have similar efficacy.