KOS Pharmaceuticals, a leader in the development of inhalation medication delivery technologies and now part of Abbott Labs, needed to develop a breath-coordinated inhaler that would administer asthma medication more precisely and effectively.
The pharmaceutical and medical device company turned to Nectar to create an inhalation system that would more efficiently deliver aerosol medication deep within the lungs during inspiration, with a minimum of medication loss either inside the mouth or as a result of system performance.
Nectar undertook the challenge of creating a breath-coordinated inhaler that not only delivered medication in coordination with a patient’s breathing but also in a more precise and measured fashion. In addition to enabling the measurement and tracking of specific doses, the design had to include a valve for timing the release of medication in concert with inhalation, an air passage with a carefully engineered turbulent flow, and a compact, foldable shape to protect the unit from dirt and debris. All development also had to comply with federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements.
The design that Nectar created had to both satisfy product goals and comply with FDA regulations governing development and testing. Nectar designed a metered-dosage system that tightly controlled dosage and counted the number of doses delivered. Development included all standard steps—including mechanical design, rapid prototyping, prototype tooling, part inspection, and assembly for clinical testing, as well as creation of a special testing apparatus for performance verification. The design was cost-efficient to manufacture and assemble in production quantities, and adapted to accommodate tolerance variations in standard medication canisters.
Darren is an accomplished, dynamic leader who founded Nectar, X-Naut, and BreathDirect. He is committed to improving the world through the synthesis of technology, science, and art. Under Darren’s leadership, Nectar is leveraging the latest advances in cutting-edge technology to transform medical device development and design. As part of his
Dr. Steve Wells holds a critical role in steering Nectar’s operations and defining its strategic direction. His impactful leadership has established a clear course for the company’s success. He has revitalized the company with a passion for maximizing impact through expert resource utilization since taking the helm in 2020. Steve has boosted Nectar’s portfolio, streamlined processes, and reinvigorated its innovation agenda, all with the goal of developing life-saving and impactful products. His background in senior leadership roles at Georg Fischer and his people-focused, results-driven leadership style make him an invaluable asset to our team. Steve’s extensive knowledge in chemistry, biocompatibility, and biology only adds to his value as a team member.
Adam Marten has worked in the aerospace and consumer products industries since 2006 with lead engineering experience in conceptual design, product development, analysis and performance qualification testing. Adam has experience leading a range of technical projects, including multiple structural analyses for military and aerospace applications. He has also worked directly with engineering teams to develop medical devices and laboratory instrumentation.
With over two decades of experience in healthcare innovation, Kerry has been instrumental in transforming patient care and improving patient outcomes across the globe. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in the cardiovascular and cardiothoracic operating room, as well as her experience in emergency medicine, geriatrics, pediatric psychiatry, and main OR, make her a versatile and valuable member of the team. From small hospitals to large teaching institutions, Kerry’s 20 years of experience with patient documentation, including the use of EPIC, Cerner, and Meditech electronic charting systems, have positioned her as a leader in her field. Her recent involvement in helping transition the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center’s Cardiac Surgery program from paper charting to electronic documentation further underscores her commitment to advancing the healthcare industry.