Rasik Chunilal Shah

US Patent:

20030199594, Oct 23, 2003

Filed:

Apr 23, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/127537

Inventors:

Rasik Shah - New York NY, US

International Classification:

B01F003/04

US Classification:

516/001000

Abstract:

The invention relates to a new propellant composition for use with aerosols such as may be used in medical devices such as a metered dose inhaler (or MDI) or a nasal spray device. The propellant features helium as its primary ingredient, preferably at least about 70% and most preferably at or around 100% by weight of the propellant composition, and this propellant can be used in a variety of applications since it is both inert and environmentally safe. The propellant of the invention can thus be utilized advantageously as a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to many current propellants including those based on hydrofluorocarbons (e.g., HFA), fluorocarbons (e.g., CFC), or hydrocarbons such as butane and propane. A series of aerosol formulations which use the new propellant are also provided as well as a method for using these aerosol composition to treat a variety of medical ailments, including bronchial asthma and rhinitis, and the formulations may be utilized in the delivery of bronchodilators and other suitable substances for these and other therapeutic methods.