Medical device start-up Cambridge Healthcare Innovations has announced a new inhaler technology that it claims could transform how biologic and mRNA-based therapies are delivered to the lungs. The firm, founded by former Dyson engineer David Harris, says its Quattrii dry powder inhaler engine will allow pharmaceutical companies to administer larger drug payloads in a single […]
Medical device start-up Cambridge Healthcare Innovations has announced a new inhaler technology that it claims could transform how biologic and mRNA-based therapies are delivered to the lungs.
The firm, founded by former Dyson engineer David Harris, says its Quattrii dry powder inhaler engine will allow pharmaceutical companies to administer larger drug payloads in a single inhalation, addressing what it describes as a longstanding limitation in inhaler technology.
According to the start-up, the Quattrii inhaler is designed to deliver at least 70% of the active drug dose directly to the lungs — a marked improvement on the typical 10% to 50% efficiency of current devices, according to CHI.
The company says the inhaler achieves this by separating the active drug from the lactose carrier during delivery, reducing the amount of inert powder inhaled and potentially limiting side effects such as coughing or sore throat.
mRNA therapies use tiny genetic instructions to tell the body’s cells to make proteins that can help fight or prevent disease.
They are best known for being used in Covid-19 vaccines and are being studied for treating cancer and other illnesses.
While mRNA therapies themselves are biological, digital technologies play a vital role in their design, production, and delivery.
AI, bioinformatics, and computational models help create and optimise mRNA sequences, while digital systems ensure precision in manufacturing, quality control, and cold-chain logistics.
mRNA-based Inhaler technology Quattrii
Many recent innovations in inhaler technology have focused largely on digital integration, precision dosing, and expanding therapeutic applications.
For instance, Teva’s FDA-approved Digihaler is a dry powder inhaler with built‑in digital sensors that track intake, record inspiratory flow rates, and sync data via Bluetooth to support adherence and technique.
However, CHI claims that none match Quattrii in using lactose‑separation for enhanced payload delivery.
David Harris, CHI’s chief executive, said: “Respirable drugs offer so much potential, but for too long the lack of innovation in inhaler technology has been a hugely limiting factor.
“There is a better way — and by creating an inhaler from the ground up, that is designed to make the best use of the patient’s inhalation energy, we have been able to achieve something that is easier to use and provides much greater efficiency.”
The company believes the device could play a role beyond traditional respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD.
CHI claims Quattrii’s ability to deliver larger doses opens possibilities for therapies targeting lung cancer and systemic conditions where lung delivery is advantageous, such as Parkinson’s disease or pain management.
Dr Jenny Lam, associate professor of Pharmaceutics at University College London, said: “CHI’s Quattrii DPI is truly unique and offers huge potential for those developing a wide range of drugs that can save the lives of millions of people.”
Quattrii will be made available for pharmaceutical partners to use in Phase 1 clinical trials from the final quarter of 2025. The platform forms part of a broader licensing agreement between CHI and Aptar Pharma, signed in late 2024.
The claims around Quattrii’s performance have yet to be independently verified in large-scale clinical trials.
