Compared to drug administration through swallowing, delivery via the lung is much more effective due to the lung´s large surface area, the thin membrane, and outstanding blood supply that guarantees a fast drug absorption. Contact angle measurements can help to develop pulmonary NSAID delivery systems.

The traditional carrier-based dry powder inhaler formulations—consisting of carrier particles and drugs—are most widely used for the therapies via the lung. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are applied through inhalation can efficiently decrease the progression of cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, there are so far still no marketed NSAIDs for pulmonary administration available. This motivated Ambrus and colleagues to develop an innovative dry powder inhalation (DPI) product with improved lung deposition.