Gilbert Technologies
New Generation Soft Mist Technology for Precise Pulmonary Drug Administration

The treatment of more severe lung diseases is accompanied by therapy with complex expensive pharmaceuticals, like f.i. biologicals or oncological drugs, that are administered to the patient currently either orally, intravenously or subcutaneously. It’s well acknowledged that the administration of pharmaceuticals directly to the lung is more effective. Ease of use is one reason why inhalers have been historically popular. However, when it comes to treating severe lung conditions like cystic fibrosis (CF), severe asthma, or lung cancer, dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and metered dose inhalers (MDIs) available in the market have limited capabilities. Recognizing the imperative need for an effective pulmonary drug administration, Netherlands-based Gilbert Technologies brings to the table, Electro Hydro-Dynamic Atomization (EHDA) or ‘Electrospray’ technology for aerosolization and precise medication. Their inhaler device, currently in development with Philips Innovation Services (PInS), will simplify the inhalation technique for patients, enable enhanced drug administration, therapy adherence, and reduce the cost of treatments. “Our patented EHDA electrospray technology makes it possible to deliver therapies in a targeted way to patients through inhalation, making treatment more effective,” says Maurits Huigen, COO of Gilbert Technologies.



Electrospray features variable aerosol particle size, which enables the medication to target the bronchial tree. The underlying technology breaks up the liquid jet drug formulation into droplets under the influence of electric forces. Depending on the condition and medication dosage, the droplet size can be varied within a narrow interval creating a uniform and monodisperse aerosol. Controlled droplet size enables the deposition of medication at the right place in the lungs.

“Since the generated aerosol is a soft mist, it is more comfortable and convenient for patients to inhale than dry powder,” adds Huigen.

The functioning of the device gives Gilbert a competitive advantage over other inhalers in the market. The formulation is pumped through a nozzle at a low flow rate where an electric field is applied between the nozzle and the counter electrode of the inhaler device. The formulation then breaks down to generate a soft mist of monodisperse droplets.

Our patented EHDA electrospray technology makes it possible to deliver therapies in a targeted way to patients through inhalation, making treatment more effective

Moreover, controlled droplet size gives physicians the ability to initiate precise and effective drug deposition into the specific parts of the lungs. The EHDA technology therefore has the potential to reduce side effects compared to current systemic administration of the selected group of compounds. As such, Gilbert’s inhaler devices promote smarter medication strategies by enabling lowering dosages, frequency of intake, and with the least side effects. All these advantages improve patient adherence to the treatment. The offering finds the best use in the effective treatment of CF, severe asthma, oncology, pulmonary arterial hypertension, as well as non-CF bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, transplantation, and pain management.



Recently, Gilbert Technologies has joined hands with Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI) to improve therapy for CF-patients. The combination of Gilbert’s soft mist inhalation technology with LDRI’s improved formulation of a long-acting PEGylated rhDNase will potentially reduce the burden of the disease of this treatment used regularly by CF-patients. The company has also received funding from Brabant Startup Fonds (BSF), an organization that proactively focuses on supporting companies for affordable and improved healthcare innovations, in the Netherlands province of Noord-Brabant. Working as a technology partner in the region, Gilbert Technologies will work with BSF and PInS for further development and improvement of the effectiveness of expensive medication used for complex lung diseases. Gilbert will bring a turning point in the inhaled pharmaceutical market and new pulmonary drug formulation strategy with its new generation of soft mist technology.