Helium propellant composition for use with aerosols

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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.