WO2022161938A1

WO2022161938A1 - An inhaler body with a mouthpiece

Info

Publication number: WO2022161938A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/051603
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sörensen BJÖRN O.
Original assignee: Aurena Laboratories Holding Ab
Priority date: 2021-01-28
Filing date: 2022-01-25
Publication date: 2022-08-04

Abstract

The invention relates to an inhaler body for an inhaler for administering a substance to a person, - wherein the inhaler body forms a passage (201, 203, 205, 208) adapted to guide a compound including the substance from a container (3) to an outlet opening (204) of the inhaler body, - wherein the inhaler body comprises a mouthpiece (207) forming an outlet chamber (208) as a part of the passage, which outlet chamber presents the outlet opening (204), - wherein a row of ventilation openings (214) is formed in the mouthpiece, - which ventilation openings (214) are located at a distance from a centerline (CLO) of the outlet chamber, - wherein the row of ventilation openings (214) circumvents the centerline (CLO) of the outlet chamber (208),- wherein the ventilation openings are arranged to direct respective ventilation flows from the exterior of the mouthpiece into the outlet chamber, - wherein orientations of the ventilation openings are such that the ventilation flows through the ventilation openings are at least partly directed along the centerline of the outlet chamber.

Description

AN INHALER BODY WITH A MOUTHPIECE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an inhaler body for an inhaler for administering a substance to a person. The invention also relates to an inhaler comprising such an inhaler body.

BACKGROUND

Inhalers are known for administering substances to the human body via the lungs. For example, a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is a device that delivers a specific amount of a substance, e.g. medication, to the lungs. The substance may be delivered in a compound the form of a short burst of aerosol that is usually self-administered by the user via inhalation.

Delivery of substances to the lungs have advantages. Administration in lungs needs only a fraction, e.g. 3/7, of the active substance in oral administration. This may reduce side effects. For example, with cortisone, no side effects seem to appear when administered in lungs. Also, administering medical drugs over the lungs also may mean a full effect immediately, whereas orally it can take up to 3 hours or more until there is a full effect.

Inhalers may be provided in different types, e.g. as pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDI), dry powder inhalers (DPI), or water based inhalers. US2019125985A1 describes some examples of inhalers.

Inhalers for metered dose aerosols typically comprise a housing for receiving a substance container. Such a container may contain a propellant and the active substance. Furthermore, the container may comprise a valve, and upon actuation of the valve a defined amount of the substance is delivered. An inhaler body of the inhaler typically comprises an atomizing nozzle through which an aerosol is emitted into a mouthpiece of the inhaler body, which aerosol can be inhaled by the user. A problem with known inhalers is that they emit a relatively short puff with high particle velocity. This requires good coordination in actuating the puff and inhaling the aerosol cloud. Usually, part of the drug is not inhaled. US2010154794A1 describes an inhaler, and it is suggested that transportation of the drug in the inhaler flow channel is enveloped in a laminar air stream presented to the air tract of the user, thereby eliminating drug deposition on the inhaler inside walls.

There is nevertheless a desire to provide an inhaler with further improved administration of a substance to the lungs of the user.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide an inhaler providing an improved administration of a substance to the lungs of the user.

The object is reached with an inhaler body for an inhaler for administering a substance to a person,

- wherein the inhaler body forms a passage adapted to guide a compound including the substance from a container to an outlet opening of the inhaler body,

- wherein the inhaler body comprises a mouthpiece forming an outlet chamber as a part of the passage, which outlet chamber presents the outlet opening,

- wherein a row of ventilation openings is formed in the mouthpiece,

- which ventilation openings are located at a distance from a centerline of the outlet chamber,

- wherein the row of ventilation openings circumvents the centerline of the outlet chamber,

- wherein the ventilation openings are arranged to direct respective ventilation flows from the exterior of the mouthpiece into the outlet chamber,

- wherein orientations of the ventilation openings are such that the ventilation flows through the ventilation openings are at least partly directed along the centerline of the outlet chamber.

The inhaler body may comprise the passage. The outlet chamber, formed by the mouthpiece, may have a circular or substantially elliptical cross-section transversely to the centerline of the outlet chamber. The outlet chamber may have a constant cross-section. The outlet opening may open into the outlet chamber. The row of ventilation openings comprises a plurality of ventilation openings. The ventilation openings may be formed in the mouthpiece, at an end of the mouthpiece which is opposite to the end with the outlet opening. The ventilation opening may be located, in a transverse direction in relation to the outlet chamber centerline, at a distance from the outlet chamber centerline. The row of ventilation opening may extend circumferentially around the outlet chamber centerline. The ventilation openings may be equally distributed circumferentially around the outlet chamber centerline. The row of ventilation openings may form a ring of ventilation openings. The center of the ring of ventilation openings may be concentric with the centerline of the outlet chamber.

The substance may be a medicament or some other substance, such as nicotine. The substance may be administered to a person via the lungs of the person.

The ventilation openings may be arranged to direct respective ventilation flows of air from the exterior of the mouthpiece into the outlet chamber. Thus, when the inhaler is used, air from the surroundings may be introduced to the outlet chamber. Thereby, the ventilation flows may be caused by inhalation of the user. By the ventilation openings being arranged to direct respective ventilation flows from the exterior of the mouthpiece into the outlet chamber, the ventilation openings may be arranged to direct the respective ventilation flows directly from the exterior of the mouthpiece. The flows in the ventilation openings starting at the exterior of the mouthpiece may secure unobstructed flows. The user may put the outlet opening to his/her mouth, maneuver the inhaler to release an amount of the compound from the container, and simultaneously inhale. Thereby, the ventilation flows may be introduced into the outlet chamber simultaneously with the compound flowing through the outlet chamber. The ventilation openings will prevent a vacuum effect in the outlet chamber when inhaling.

The orientations of the ventilation openings may be such that the air flows through the ventilation openings are directed with a component along the outlet chamber centerline. Preferably, the orientations of the ventilation openings are such that the air flows through the ventilation openings are substantially parallel with the outlet chamber centerline. Thus, the ventilation flows through the ventilation openings may be substantially parallel with a general flow of the compound in the outlet chamber. The general flow of the compound in the outlet chamber may have a direction in parallel with the outlet chamber centerline. While droplets of the compound may move at least partly transversely to the outlet chamber centerline, e.g. due to turbulence, a vector sum of the droplet movements, at a certain point in time, may define the general flow direction.

With the invention, a combination of the ventilation flows may surround the flow of the compound through the outlet chamber. Due to the circumferential distribution of the ventilation openings, and the direction of the ventilation flows, the ventilation flows may form a wall of air in the outlet chamber. In other words, the ventilation flows may form a barrier of air in the outlet chamber. The air wall may serve as a buffer between the compound mist and the mouthpiece. Thereby, the risk that the compound mist reaches the mouthpiece is reduced or eliminated. Thereby, a conglomeration of compound droplets on the mouthpiece, reducing the substance administration efficiency, may be prevented.

In addition, the combination of the ventilation flows may surround the flow of the compound as the compound enters through the outlet chamber, and into the user’s mouth and into the user’s mouth. This is beneficial for the formation of the plume of the compound in the user’s mouth. It may provide for a dependable delivery of the compound to the throat and lungs of the user.

If the air is guided merely transversely inwards into the outlet chamber, the air may be move too close to the centerline of the outlet chamber. This may make the plume of the compound narrow, which may have a negative impact on allowing the compound to enter the throat, as exemplified below. The orientation of the ventilation openings being such that the air flows through the ventilation openings are directed with a component along the outlet chamber centerline, allows for keeping the air towards the periphery of the outlet chamber. Thereby the compound plume may be relatively wide.

Preferably, the row of ventilation openings has a substantially elliptical shape. The row may be defined by a line passing through center points of the openings. The major axis of the ellipse formed by the row of ventilation openings may be 35-55 mm, e.g. about 45 mm. The minor axis of the ellipse formed by the row of ventilation openings may be 25-45 mm, e.g. about 35 mm. Where the outlet chamber, formed by the mouthpiece, has a substantially elliptical cross-section transversely to the centerline of the outlet chamber, the major axis of the ellipse formed by a periphery of the outlet chamber may be 35-65 mm, preferably 40-60 mm, preferably 45-55 mm, e.g. 50 mm. The minor axis of the ellipse formed by the periphery of the outlet chamber may be 30-55 mm, preferably 35-50 mm, preferably 40-45 mm, e.g. 42 mm. Thereby, the longitudinal wall portion 2071 may be relatively large. This causes the mouth of the user to open to a relatively large extent. This facilitates the inhalation. In addition, embodiments of the inhaler body forming the outlet chamber as exemplified herein, provide for the wall of air surrounding the plume, and provided by the ventilation openings, mixing, in the mouth of the user, with the compound in a beneficial manner. The ventilation openings, and the geometry of the outlet chamber, according to embodiments of the invention, allows for controlling the width of the plume of the compound. Thereby the delivery of a substantially constant amount of the substance to the lungs may be secured from one administration to another.

Preferably, the extension, along the row of ventilation openings, of material of the mouthpiece between any two of the ventilation openings is less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, for example 1.8%, of the length of the row of ventilation openings. For example, where there are 28 ventilation openings and 28 intermediate portions between the openings, and they all have the same extension along the row of ventilation openings, the extension, along the row of ventilation openings, each intermediate portion will be around 1.8% of the length of the row.

Preferably, a ratio of the extension of the ventilation openings along the row of ventilation openings, and the extension, along the row of ventilation openings, of material of the mouthpiece between the ventilation openings, is at least 0.5, preferably at least 0.75, for example 1.0. This may assist in providing a sufficient distribution of the ventilation flows around the compound flow.

Preferably, respective outlets of the ventilation openings are provided in an interior ventilation surface of the mouthpiece, which ventilation surface is at least partly facing in a direction along the centerline of the outlet chamber. Thereby, the ventilation surface may face towards the outlet opening. The mouthpiece may also be referred to as an envelope.

The mouthpiece may comprise a longitudinal wall portion which extends mainly around the outlet chamber and along the centerline of the outlet chamber. Thereby, the ventilation surface of the mouthpiece is preferably provided on an end portion of the mouthpiece, which is located at an end of the mouthpiece which is opposite to the end presenting the outlet opening. Thereby, said facing of the ventilation surface at least partly in the direction along the outlet chamber centerline is facilitated.

Preferably, respective outlets of the ventilation openings are located closer to the longitudinal wall portion than to the centerline of the outlet chamber, and/or located on an interior surface of the longitudinal wall portion. Thereby, the distribution of the ventilation flows around the compound flow will be facilitated.

Preferably, inlets of the ventilation openings are provided in an exterior surface of the mouthpiece. Thereby, an unobstructed path of the air from the surroundings to the ventilation openings may be secured.

Preferably, the row of ventilation openings comprises at least five, preferably at least ten, preferably at least fifteen, ventilation openings. The ventilation openings may be cylindrical. The ventilation openings may have a circular cross-section. The ventilation openings each have a diameter of 0.5-1.5 mm, for example 1.0 mm.

A relatively large amount of ventilation openings allows for providing relatively small cylindrical ventilation openings. Such narrow ventilation openings may provide for an acceleration of the air passing through the ventilation openings. The ventilation flow may create a jetstream of air. Thereby, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the difference in velocity between the air in the ventilation flows, and the droplets of the compound. This is particularly beneficial for the formation of the plume of the compound in the user’s mouth. A particularly dependable delivery of the compound to the throat and lungs of the user may thereby be provided.

In addition, the cylindrical shape may facilitate manufacturing, since it facilitates manufacturing a tool for injection molding of the inhaler body.

In some embodiments, the ventilation openings are elongate and extend along the row of openings. Thereby, the width of the ventilation openings are preferably 0.2-1.0 mm, preferably 0.3-0.8 mm, for example about 0.5 mm. Thereby, a fewer amount of ventilation openings may be provided while retaining the advantages of the acceleration of the air, and the distribution of the air around the compound flow.

In some embodiments, the respective ventilation opening is narrower between an inlet and an outlet of the ventilation opening, than at the inlet and the outlet. Thereby, a venturi effect may be provided.

Preferably, the inhaler body comprises, a sheet that is permeable to an aerosol of the compound flowing through the passage, the sheet being located upstream of outlets of the ventilation openings. Preferably, the sheet forms an upstream limitation of the outlet chamber. Preferably, the maximum extension of the sheet is 7-14 mm. The sheet may have a circular shape. Thereby, the diameter of the sheet may be 7-14 mm, for example 10 mm.

The permeable sheet may extend transversely to the outlet chamber centerline. Preferably, the sheet is aligned with the centerline of the outlet chamber. Thus, a center of the sheet may be located in an extension of the outlet chamber center line.

Preferably, the ventilation openings are, in a transverse direction in relation to the outlet chamber centerline, located outside of the sheet.

The permeable sheet may be formed by a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, or a mesh. For example, the permeable sheet may be formed by a steel mesh, or a nylon net, e.g. a nylon weave. A nylon weave will provide a good balance between the sizes of the pores and the thickness of the net strings. The sheet may reduce the droplet size of the compound transported in the passage.

Further, the sheet may reduce the velocity of the compound mist, which facilitates inhaling of the mist. The compound velocity may be reduced by 50%. The reduced compound velocity, combined with the acceleration of the ventilation flows provided by the ventilation opening, allows for the compound flow and the ventilation flows to reach the same velocity.

Preferably, the sheet has pores with diameters within the range of 40pm - 100pm, preferably 60pm - 80pm. With a pore diameter with said range, the sheet may reduce the droplet size further. Also, with a pore diameter with said range, the sheet may increase the temperature of the compound mist. This will make it more pleasant to inhale, avoiding any “cold-shock”.

Preferably, the sheet is adapted to flex by means of the pressure of the flow of compound through the passage. The pressure may be provided from a “puff’ of the compound. The resistance to the compound flow, caused by the sheet, may create a pressure gradient across the sheet, causing it to flex. Said flexing may be allowed by a suitable stiffness of the sheet. Thereby, the net may obtain a curved form, as seen transversely to the compound flow. As a result of the flexing of the sheet, the compound droplets are spread in the mouth of the inhaler user. Thereby, the sheet works as a deflector.

Many known inhalers produce a relatively narrow plume, with a high velocity, with a risk that the plume misses the throat of the user. Embodiments of the invention provides a broader compound plume at the throat. As a result, a larger portion of the droplets reaches the lungs. In other words, the wide plume gives low standard deviation in lung distribution. Also, the broader plume reduces tendencies of droplets to congregate and form larger droplets.

However, the wall of air surrounding the compound flow, and provided by the ventilation openings, may control the width of the compound plume in the mouth. This may avoid excessive deposits of the compound in the mouth. Thus, a plume with a controlled width may be provided.

A test has shown that an inhaler with an inhaler body with features of an embodiment of the invention allowed 60% of the released compound to reach the lungs. This is a substantial improvement compared to may prior art inhalers. The test involved a representation of the mouth and throat of a person, and a so-called Next Generation Pharmaceutical Impactor (NGI) as a measuring device in the throat.

The passage may have a cross-sectional area that varies along the passage. Preferably, the inhaler body forms a conduit as a part of the passage, wherein the conduit forms the narrowest part of the passage. The conduit may be adapted to guide the compound, in a longitudinal direction of the conduit. The conduit longitudinal direction may be defined by a line intersecting a center of the conduit at an inlet of the conduit, and a center of the conduit at an outlet of the conduit. The cross-sectional area of the passage may be an area in a cross-section that is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the conduit. The conduit may have a maximum transverse dimension of less than 1 mm. The conduit may form an orifice or an atomizing nozzle. The transverse direction of the conduit may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The conduit may be located upstream of the outlet chamber. The conduit may be transversely located at the centerline of the outlet chamber. The conduit longitudinal direction may be aligned with the outlet chamber centerline.

The ventilation openings may be transversely located outside of the conduit. The conduit may be formed by a conduit body of mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be provided downstream of conduit. The mouthpiece, e.g. the end portion thereof, may be fixed to, or integrated with the conduit body.

The inhaler body according to any embodiment of the invention may form a part of an inhaler. The inhaler may be adapted for a metered dose aerosol. The inhaler may be arranged to release the compound from the container by means of a so-called bag-on-valve (BoV) arrangement. The conduit may be provided downstream of the bag-on-valve arrangement.

In the container, the compound may be in liquid form. When reaching the conduit, the compound may be an aerosol. The transition from a liquid to an aerosol may be provided by an expansion of the compound when leaving the container. The passage may comprise an expansion chamber upstream of the conduit. Thus, the inhaler body may form an expansion chamber upstream of the conduit. The expansion chamber may have any suitable volume, for example 100-300 pl³, e.g. 175 l³. Preferably, the expansion chamber volume is at least five times the volume of the liquid released. The expansion chamber may be gradually narrowed towards the conduit. In the expansion chamber, the compound may form droplets, which are mixed with gas. More specifically, as exemplified below, an additive, in liquid state in the container, may turn into a gaseous state in the expansion chamber. Thus, the compound may move into a droplet state in the expansion chamber, mixed with the additive in a gaseous form.

The inhaler body may be adapted to receive the compound from the container, and the inhaler body may be adapted to guide the compound towards the conduit. The inhaler body may form the conduit such that, in a transverse cross-section of the conduit, the ratio of the square of the conduit perimeter length and the cross-sectional area of the conduit is higher than 4 multiplied by TI. Said ratio may be expressed as R=PL^A2/A, where PL is the length of the perimeter of the conduit in a transverse cross-section of the conduit, and A is the area of the conduit in a transverse cross-section of the conduit. Said ratio is 4 times 7t, approximately 12.57, for a circle. A circle can be viewed as a special case of an ellipse where the major and minor axes are of equal length. Preferably, said ratio is higher than 4 times it throughout the entire conduit.

Compared to in a circular cross-section conduit, said perimeter length to area ratio of the conduit will provide for a longer perimeter for a given compound flow. Also, in a conduit according to embodiments of the invention, the inner surface of the conduit will be larger in relation to a volume of the conduit, compared to a conduit with a circular cross-section. Thereby, the compound will be exposed to a larger surface. Since droplets, in parts of the flow which are close to the conduit surface, will tend to break up more easily, the inhaler body will serve to tear apart droplets of the compound to a greater extent.

Also, the increased parameter to cross-sectional area ratio will increase the turbulence at an exit of the compound from the conduit outlet. This will further increase the breaking up of the droplets of the compound. Thereby, the droplet mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of the compound will be decreased.

The decreased MMAD of the compound provided by the conduit will be beneficial to the capability of the permeable sheet to reduce the velocity of the compound. As suggested, the reduced compound velocity, combined with the acceleration of the ventilation flows provided by the ventilation opening, allows for the compound flow and the ventilation flows to reach the same velocity.

The conduit may have a constant cross-section. As exemplified below, in embodiments of the invention, there may be at an inlet of the conduit, a step in the area of the passage in a crosssection of the passage transverse to the conduit longitudinal direction. In the conduit the compound may gain velocity due to a reduced cross-sectional area of the conduit in relation to the expansion chamber. Further, in embodiments of the invention, there may be at an outlet of the conduit, a step in the transverse cross-sectional area of the passage. Advantageously, the conduit transverse cross-sectional shape is such that any position in the conduit is within 0.3 mm from the conduit wall. As exemplified below, this may secure that all droplets in the compound are broken up. Thereby, the droplet size distribution of the inhaler can be reduced. The conduit may have a maximum transverse dimension which is at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0,27 mm, for example 0.35 mm. Preferably, the inhaler body forms the conduit such that, in the conduit, at least one portion of the surface of the inhaler body is convex as seen in a transverse cross-section of the conduit. Thereby, in a transverse cross-section of the conduit, the inhaler body may form the conduit such that at least one portion of the conduit crosssection perimeter is convex. Thereby, the at least one portion of the surface of the inhaler may curve outwards in the conduit. Thereby, the curvature may provide a smooth surface, or the surface may present one or more corners in the transverse cross-section of the conduit. The inhaler body may form a convex shape of the perimeter. One or more parts may be shaped inwards in the conduit. Thereby, the likelihood of the compound droplets being in the vicinity of the conduit wall, to thereby be broken up, is increased.

Preferably, the inhaler body forms the conduit by at least one, preferably at least two, preferably at least three ridges in the conduit extending at least partly in the conduit longitudinal direction. Where there are at least two or at least three ridges, the ridges are preferably circumferentially distributed in the conduit. In a transverse cross-section of the conduit, the one or more ridges may extend towards a centerline of the conduit. In some embodiments, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the conduit may be twisted in the longitudinal direction of the conduit. Thereby, in embodiments with one or more ridges in the conduit, the ridges may, in addition to extending in the conduit longitudinal direction, extend in a circumferential direction. Thereby, the ridges may form helices in the conduit.

In embodiments of the invention, the inhaler body may form the conduit such that, in a crosssection of the inhaler body perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conduit, the conduit presents a center and at least three legs extending radially from the center. Due to the one or more ridges extending in the conduit longitudinal direction, the ratio between the length of the perimeter of the conduit cross-section, and the conduit cross-sectional area, may be relatively high. This perimeter length to area ratio will serve to tear apart droplets of the compound to a high extent. Particularly, with the ridges in the conduit, the conduit cross- sectional perimeter will be partly closer to the center of the compound flow. Thereby, the droplets in a larger portion of the administered compound, or all of it, may be close to the conduit wall, and thereby broken when passing through the conduit. Also, the one or more ridges in the conduit will increase the turbulence at an exit of the compound from the conduit outlet. As suggested, this will further increase the breaking up of the droplets of the compound. Thereby, the droplet mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of the compound will be decreased. The reduced droplet size is highly beneficial for pulmonary substance delivery.

Preferably, the number of ridges is 3-7, for example 4. Preferably, a radial distance from a top of any of the ridges to a bottom of the respective ridge is less than 0.3 mm, preferably less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.15 mm. Preferably, the radial distance from a top of any of the ridges to a bottom of the respective ridge is at least 0.05 mm. Preferably, the distance between tops of two adjacent ones of any of the ridges is less than 0.3 mm, preferably less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.15 mm. Preferably, the distance between tops of two adjacent ones of any of the ridges is at least 0.05 mm. Thereby, the radial extension of any of the legs formed by the conduit, in a transverse cross-section of the conduit, may be less than less than 0.3 mm, preferably less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.15 mm, for example 0.1 mm. Further, the lateral extension of any of the legs formed by the conduit, in a transverse cross-section of the conduit, may be less than less than 0.3 mm, preferably less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.15 mm, for example 0.12 mm.

Embodiments of the invention provides significantly reduced droplet sizes. An inhaler body conduit with a circular cross-section, may, with a diameter of 1.0 mm, provide a breaking up of the compound within a distance of 0.3 mm from the conduit wall. This means that there will be a center part of the conduit, with a diameter of 0.4 mm, where the compound droplets are not broken up. As a result, the aerosol downstream of the conduit will include relatively large droplets. Differing from this, embodiments of the invention, with said ridges forming the conduit, may provide for any position in the conduit being within 0.3 mm from the conduit wall. Thereby all droplets in the compound may be broken up. More generally, the droplet size distribution of the inhaler can be reduced.

The reduced droplet size provided by embodiments of the invention facilitates the passing of the compound through the permeable sheet. This in turn facilitates the further reduction of the droplets by the sheet. The reduced droplet size, provided by the invention, allows for reducing the amount of the active substance administered with each “puff’ of the inhaler. Embodiments of the invention allows for a droplet mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of below 5 pm. With the reduced droplet size, the body absorption of the active substance may be improved. As a result, the amount of compound released at each administration may be reduced. For example, the released amount of compound at an administration may be e.g. 35 pl in liquid form. For a container holding 270 pl, the number of dosages may thereby be 270/35.

The reduced amount of compound released at each administration is beneficial for the formation of the plume in the mouth, since a relatively small amount of compound released will facilitate the air wall formation provided by the ventilation openings.

The reduced amount of compound released at each administration may reduce the density of the compound in the passage. This facilitates the formation of turbulence in the passage of the inhaler body. This in turn contributes to reducing the compound droplet sizes. Thus, a synergistic effect may be provided since the reduced amount of compound released, allowed by features of the inhaler body according to embodiments of the invention, allows for further reducing the droplet size, since it facilitates turbulence formation.

Also, the reduced amount of compound released at each administration makes inhalation of the compound easier for the user.

It should be added that the small droplet size may be reached with embodiments of the invention, without any heating or burning of any substance. Further, the inhaler may be waterbased without polypropylene, or hydrofluoroalkane (HF A) propellants. As a result, the inhaled substances may be few, with well-known effects on the human body.

In addition, embodiments of the inhaler body according to the invention provides manufacturing advantages. The inhaler body is advantageously made in plastic. However, any attempt to manufacture, with injection molding, an inhaler body with a conduit having a circular cross-section with a small diameter, e.g. 0.1-0.15 mm, will not be feasible, due to a lack of material in the injection molding tool. However, where the ratio of the square of the conduit perimeter length and the cross-sectional area of the conduit is higher than that of a circle, there may be enough material in the injection molding tool, while any position in the conduit is close to the conduit wall.

The cross-section of the conduit may be in the shape of a cross. The conduit may have a maximum transverse dimension of less than 1.0 mm, preferably less than 0.6 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, for example 0.35 mm. Preferably, the conduit has a length in the longitudinal direction of at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm. Preferably, the conduit has a length in the longitudinal direction of less than 1.2 mm, preferably at least 0.9 mm, for example 0.65 mm. Thereby, where the conduit has a maximum transverse dimension of less than 1.0 mm, preferably less than 0.6 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, for example 0.35 mm, a particularly effective breaking of the compound droplets may be provided.

The passage may comprise a transport chamber downstream of the conduit. The conduit may be located upstream of the permeable sheet. The transport chamber may separate the conduit and the sheet.

The transport chamber may have, in a cross-section perpendicular to the conduit longitudinal direction, a periphery which is radially completely outside of any part of the conduit periphery in a conduit transverse cross-section. The transport chamber may be provided between the conduit and the outlet chamber. Preferably, a general direction of a flow of the compound in the transport chamber is parallel with the outlet chamber centerline. As suggested, in embodiments of the invention, there may be at an outlet of the conduit, a step in the transverse cross-sectional area of the passage. Thereby, when leaving the conduit, a sudden increase in the cross-sectional area of the flow will serve to break up the compound droplets further. Also, when leaving the conduit, turbulence created by the transverse shape of the conduit, e.g. the ends of the conduit ridges, will serve to break up the compound droplets even further. More specifically, the transverse shape of the conduit serves to increase the turbulence of the flow with the compound, and this turbulence stimulates the reduction of compound droplet sizes when the compound leaves the conduit.

Preferably, the inhaler body comprises a conduit body, and the conduit is formed in the conduit body, wherein at an outlet of the conduit, the conduit body presents an outlet surface which is angled so as to face partly in a downstream direction of the conduit, and partly radially outwardly in relation to the conduit. The outlet surface may be angled so as to face radially outwardly in the downstream direction of the conduit. The angled outlet surface may form a limitation of the passage adapted to guide the compound from the container to the outlet opening of the inhaler body. The angled outlet surface may form a limitation of a transport chamber downstream of the conduit. The transport chamber may form a part of the passage. The ventilation openings may be located transversely outside of the angled outlet surface. Said permeable sheet may be located downstream of the angled outlet surface and upstream of the outlet chamber. The transport chamber may have, in a cross-section perpendicular to the conduit longitudinal direction, a periphery which is radially completely outside of any part of the conduit periphery in a conduit transverse cross-section. Thus, the angled outlet surface may extend partly upstream, and partly outwards, from the conduit outlet. Thereby, the outlet surface may be swept backwards in relation to the flow direction in the conduit.

Thereby, there is a reduced tendency of the boundary surfaces of the transport chamber downstream of the conduit interfering with the mist of the compound. In particular, a turbulent flow forming at the outlet of the conduit may have a tendency to expand in the downstream direction, as well as outwardly in the transverse direction. However, the turbulent flow forming at the outlet of the conduit may also have a tendency to expand in the upstream direction, transversely outside of the conduit outlet. A surface oriented in the transverse direction of the conduit may disturb the turbulence formation. The backwards angle of the outlet surface allows this upstream expansion, without disturbing it. This enhances the turbulence formation at the conduit outlet. This further facilitates the breaking up of the compound droplets.

The outlet surface is angled, so that it leans towards the upstream direction, as seen in a crosssection of the inhaler body, coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the conduit. In a three-dimensional space the outlet surface may be conical. Thereby, the conduit outlet would be at the apex of the cone. In some embodiments, the outlet surface may be pyramid-shaped, with the conduit outlet at the apex of the pyramid.

The outlet surface may form an angle with the transverse direction of the conduit of at least

10 degrees. Preferably, the outlet surface forms an angle with the transverse direction of the conduit of at least 20 degrees, for example 30 degrees. Thereby, an undisturbed turbulence secured of the compound leaving the conduit may be secured.

The outlet surface may form an angle with the transverse direction of the conduit of less than 70 degrees, preferably less than 50 degrees, preferably less than 45 degrees. Where said angle is less than 45 degrees. Thereby, manufacturing problems may be avoided. Specifically, enough material may be ensured for the expansion chamber, located upstream of the conduit.

In a cross-section which is parallel to the conduit longitudinal direction, the outlet surface may be straight. However, in some embodiments, the outlet surface may be curved in a crosssection which is parallel to the conduit longitudinal direction. Thereby, the outlet surface may form a plurality of angles with the transverse direction of the conduit. These angles may be within 20-45 degrees.

As suggested, the inhaler body may form a transport chamber downstream of the conduit. At the outlet of the conduit, the transport chamber may have a width, in any direction which is transverse to the conduit, of at least 3.0 mm, preferably at least 4.0 mm. Thereby, the transport chamber may be delimited transversely at the conduit outlet by one or more transport chamber surfaces of the transport chamber. Thereby, the transport chamber surfaces may be sufficiently far from the conduit outlet, to not disturb the formation of turbulence of compound exiting the conduit. Thereby, the angled outlet surface may form limitation of the transport chamber at an upstream end of the transport chamber. The one or more transport chamber surfaces may extend from the angled outlet surface and in a downstream direction in the passage. The one or more transport chamber surfaces may extend to a permeable sheet, exemplified below.

The object is also reached with an inhaler with an inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a container holding a compound including the substance. The inhaler may be a water based inhaler (WBI). As suggested, the inhaler may be arranged to release the compound from the container by means of a bag-on-valve (BoV) arrangement. The inhaler may be a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). The inhaler may be for a metered dose aerosol. The container may have an elongated shape. With a bag-on-valve arrangement, the container can be in any orientation for releasing the compound. Thereby, the container may be aligned with the inhaler body conduit longitudinal direction. The inhaler may be adapted to release, for an administration of the substance, 15-55 pl, preferably 25-45 pl, for example 35 pl, of the compound in liquid form. The substance of the compound may be any substance that is to be administered to the user, for example nicotine. The compound may also comprise a mix of water, an acidulant, an alcohol and a surfactant. The surfactant may be a polysorbate, e.g. polysorbate 80. The acidulant may be citric acid. The alcohol may be ethanol. The compound may for example comprise the following components: Water at 85 to 99 wt. %, ethanol at 0.5 to 3 wt. %, polysorbate at 0.5 to 3 wt. %, nicotine at 0.2 to 1 wt. %, citric acid at 0.1 to 0.3 wt. %, and monoterpene at 0.02 to 0.1 wt. %.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Below embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings in which, fig. 1 shows an inhaler according to an embodiment of the invention, fig. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the inhaler in fig 1, partly disassembled, fig. 2a and fig. 2b show schematic cross-sectional views of a valve of the inhaler in fig. 1 fig. 3 shows a detail of fig. 2, fig. 3 a shows a detail of the view in fig. 3, with a flow phenomenon in a passage of the inhaler illustrated, fig. 4 shows a transverse cross-section of a conduit in the passage of the inhaler in fig. 1, fig. 5 shows a front view of the inhaler in fig. 1, fig. 6 shows a detail of the view in fig. 3, with flow phenomena in the passage of the inhaler illustrated, fig. 7 shows a front view of an inhaler according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, fig. 8 shows a view corresponding to a detail of fig. 3, of an inhaler according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention, and fig. 9a - 9f show transverse cross-sections of conduits in passages of inhalers according to additional embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 shows an inhaler 1 for administering a substance to a person. The inhaler comprises an inhaler body 2, with a housing 231 for holding a container 3 for holding a compound including the substance. The housing has an elongated shape. The housing 231 is aligned with the inhaler body 2. The container 3 is aligned with the inhaler body 2. In this example, the container has a cylindrical shape. Also, the housing has a cylindrical shape.

Reference is made also to fig. 2. The inhaler body comprises an outlet opening 204 for releasing doses of the compound into the mouth of a user. The inhaler is arranged to release the compound from the container 3 by means of a so-called bag-on-valve (BoV) arrangement 301. For this the container comprises a bag 302 holding the compound. The container holds an increased pressure around the bag 302. Said pressure is for example about 6 bar, i.e. 600,000 Pa.

The inhaler may be adapted to release, for an administration of the substance, a predetermined amount of the compound, e.g. 35 pl in liquid form. Thus, the bag-on-valve arrangement 301 is arranged to release a metered dose of the compound. For activation, the container 3 is pushed towards the outlet opening 204, as exemplified below.

As illustrated schematically in fig. 2a and fig. 2b, for the metered dose, the bag-on-valve arrangement 301 comprises a stem 3011 and a collar 3012 externally of the stem. A seal is provided between the stem 3011 and the collar 3012. A cavity 3013 is formed in the stem. The volume of the cavity is the volume of a dose of the compound. When not activated, stem cavity 3013 is aligned with a collar opening 3014. When the container 3 is pushed, the collar 3012 is moved in relation to the stem 3011. Thereby, the collar opening 3014 is moved so as to expose the stem cavity to release the dose.

Reference is made also to fig. 3. The inhaler body forms a passage 201, 203, 205, 208 adapted to guide the compound from the container 3 to the outlet opening 204 of the inhaler body. The passage may be formed by a passage body 221 of the inhaler body. The passage body may form a part of the inhaler body. The inhaler body, or at least the passage body 221, may be produced by injection molding.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the housing 231 presents a housing opening 232, at an end of the inhaler body 2 which is opposite to the end at which the outlet opening 204 is located. Thereby, the container 3 may be moved into the housing 231 via the housing opening 232. The container may also be moved out of the housing, e.g. to be replaced.

The inhaler also comprises a maneuvering device 4. The maneuvering device is arranged to allow a user to activate the inhaler to release, for an administration of the substance, a dose of the compound. In this example, the maneuvering device is provided in the form of a sleeve. The sleeve has a cylindrical shape, and is open at one of its ends. The sleeve 4 is adapted to enclose the housing 231. Thereby, the sleeve 4 can be removed from the housing, so as to expose the housing opening 232, e.g. for inserting or removing the container 3.

The inhaler body 2 forms an expansion chamber 201 downstream of the bag-on-valve arrangement 301. 1.e. the expansion chamber 201 is formed downstream of the container. The expansion chamber forms a part of the passage adapted to guide the compound from the container 3 to the outlet opening 204.

The inhaler body further comprises conduit body 202 forming a conduit 203, described further below. The conduit 203 forms a part of the passage adapted to guide the compound from the container 3 to the outlet opening 204. The passage has a cross-sectional area that varies along the passage, and the conduit forms the narrowest part of the passage. The conduit body 202 may form a part of the passage body 221. The expansion chamber 201 is adapted to guide the compound towards the conduit. The conduit is adapted to guide the compound, in a longitudinal direction of the conduit, towards the outlet opening 204 of the inhaler body.

The outlet opening 204 is formed by a mouthpiece 207 forming an outlet chamber 208. The outlet chamber 208 forms a part of the passage adapted to guide the compound from the container 3 to the outlet opening 204. The mouthpiece comprises a longitudinal wall portion 2071 which extend mainly around the outlet chamber and in the longitudinal direction of the conduit.

The longitudinal wall portion 2071 has a substantially elliptical shape in a cross-section transverse to the conduit longitudinal direction. In this example, the longitudinal wall portion 2071 has a substantially elliptical shape in a cross-section transverse to the general direction of the compound flow. At a distance from the outlet opening 204, a lip abutment protrusion 209 is provided externally of the longitudinal wall portion 2071. The lip abutment protrusion extends around the longitudinal wall portion 2071.

The sleeve 4 is at an end which is opposite to its open end provided with a pushing arrangement, in this example in the form of a sleeve end wall 401 and one or more ribs 402 fixed thereto. Thereby, the sleeve 4 is arranged to that, when the sleeve 4 is enclosing the housing 231, a user may put his/her lip around the longitudinal wall portion 2071, and push the pushing arrangement 401, 402. Thereby the lip abutment protrusion will abut the user’s lips, which provide a reaction force to the pushing of the pushing arrangement. The pushing arrangement will push the container 3 so as to release a dose of the compound.

The pushing force presses the inhaler towards the lips. This causes an instinctive inhalation of the user. The external transverse shape of the longitudinal wall portion 2071 may be substantially elliptical. The major axis of the ellipse may be 37-67 mm, preferably 42-62 mm, preferably 47-57 mm, e.g. 52 mm. The minor axis of the ellipse may be 32-57 mm, preferably 37-52 mm, preferably 42-47 mm, e.g. 44 mm. Thereby, the longitudinal wall portion 2071 may be relatively large. This causes the mouth of the user to open to a relatively large extent. This facilitates the inhalation.

The inhaler body forms a transport chamber 205 downstream of the conduit 203. Thereby, a widening of the path of the compound is provided. The transport chamber forms a part of the passage adapted to guide the compound from the container 3 to the outlet opening 204.

The inhaler body comprises, downstream of the conduit 203, a sheet 206 that is permeable to an aerosol of the compound flowing out of the conduit. The permeable sheet is provided between the conduit 203 and the outlet opening 204 of the inhaler body. The permeable sheet may be formed by a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, or a mesh. In this example, the sheet has pores with diameters within the range of 60pm - 80pm. In this example, the distance from the conduit to the sheet is 4.2 mm. The sheet is adapted to flex by means of the pressure of a flow of compound aerosol from the conduit.

The outlet chamber 208 is formed downstream of the sheet 206. Thus, the outlet chamber 208 is formed downstream of the conduit 203.

In the container, the compound may be mixed with an additive. The container may be pressurized. The pressure in the container may be 4-8 bar, e.g. around 6 bar, i.e. 600,000 Pa. The additive may be in a liquid state in the container. Thereby, the compound may move into a droplet state in the expansion chamber, mixed with the additive in a gaseous form. The droplets may have a size (diameter) of e.g. 100-200 pm. Thus, when the compound, with the additive diluted in it, is released from the bag-on-valve arrangement, the compound and the additive will expand into a mix of droplets and gas. The volume of the expansion chamber is preferable large enough to promote a high expansion of the compound, but small enough to not reduce the velocity of the liquid too much. If the compound velocity is too small, the droplet breaking effect of the conduit will be absent, or too low.

The expansion chamber 201 presents an area, in a cross-section which is perpendicular to the conduit longitudinal direction, which is larger than a transverse cross-sectional area of the conduit 203. The expansion chamber narrows gradually towards the conduit. The inhaler body forms a turbulence generating surface 225 at an entrance of the conduit. The entrance of the conduit is formed where the compound enters the conduit. The turbulence generating surface forms a limitation of the expansion chamber. The turbulence generating surface 225 circumvents the entrance of the conduit 203. The turbulence generating surface forms an angle to the conduit transverse direction which 0 degrees; i.e. the turbulence generating surface extends in this example in the conduit transverse direction. Thereby, there is at the inlet of the conduit, a step in the transverse cross-sectional area of the passage. As suggested above, the turbulence generating surface promotes a compound droplet size reduction at the conduit.

Reference is made also to fig. 4. The inhaler body forms the conduit 203 by four circumferentially distributed ridges 211 extending in the conduit longitudinal direction, and towards a centerline CLC of the conduit. Thereby, the inhaler body forms the conduit such that the conduit presents a center CLC and four legs 212 extending radially from the center. The cross-section of the conduit is in the shape of a cross. Thereby, in a transverse crosssection of the conduit, the ratio of the square of the conduit perimeter length and the cross- sectional area of the conduit is higher than that of a circle.

The conduit has a maximum transverse dimension TD of 0.35 mm. The radial extension RE of any of the legs 212 formed by the conduit, in a transverse cross-section of the conduit, is in this example 0.1 mm. The lateral extension LE of any of the legs formed by the conduit, in a transverse cross-section of the conduit, is in this example 0.12 mm. A radial distance RD from a top of any of the ridges to a bottom of the respective ridge is in this example 0.15 mm. A distance DAT between tops of two adjacent ones of any of the ridges is in this example 0.15 mm.

As indicated in fig. 3, the conduit 203 in this example has a length LC in the longitudinal direction of 0.65 mm. As indicated in fig. 3, at an outlet of the conduit 203, the conduit body presents an outlet surface 213. The outlet surface 213 is angled so as to face partly in a downstream direction of the conduit, and partly radially outwardly in relation to the conduit. In this example, the outlet surface 213 forms an angle with a transverse direction of the conduit of 30 degrees. The outlet surface forms a limitation of the transport chamber 205 at an upstream end of the transport chamber. In this example, the transport chamber has a circular cross-section transverse to the conduit longitudinal direction. A transport chamber surface 2051 extends from the angled outlet surface 213 to the permeable sheet 206. Starting from the angled outlet surface, the transport chamber surface 2051 extends in parallel with the conduit longitudinal direction. Closer to the sheet 206, the transport chamber surface 2051 extends partly outwardly, so as to widen the transport chamber.

At the outlet of the conduit 203, the transport chamber has a width WT, in any direction which is transverse to the conduit, of about 5.0 mm.

Reference is made also to fig. 3a, illustrating the effect of the outlet surface 213. As stated above, a turbulent flow forming at the outlet 2131 of the conduit 203 may also have a tendency to expand in the upstream direction, transversely outside of the conduit outlet. The backwards angle of the outlet surface 213 allows this upstream expansion, without disturbing it. Also, the transport chamber surface 2051 is sufficiently far from the conduit outlet to not disturb the formation of the turbulence. This enhances the turbulence formation at the conduit outlet. This further facilitates the breaking up of the compound droplets.

In fig. 3a, also said flexing of the permeable sheet 206 is illustrated.

Reference is made also to fig. 5. A row of twenty-eight ventilation openings 214 are formed in the mouthpiece 207 of the outlet chamber. As can be seen in fig. 3, the ventilation openings 214 are formed at an end of the outlet chamber 208 which is opposite to the outlet opening 204. The ventilation openings are at a distance transversely to a centerline CLO of the outlet chamber. Further, the ventilation openings are distributed circumferentially around the outlet chamber centerline CLO. As can be seen in fig. 3, the mouthpiece 207 comprises a longitudinal wall portion 2071 which extends mainly around the outlet chamber 208 and along the centerline CLO of the outlet chamber. Outlets 2141 of the ventilation openings 214 are provided in an interior ventilation surface 2142 of the envelop. The ventilation openings 214 are, in a transverse direction in relation to the outlet chamber centerline CLO, located outside of the sheet. The outlets 2141 of the ventilation openings 214 are located closer to the longitudinal wall portion

2071 than to the centerline CLO of the outlet chamber 208.

The ventilation surface is facing in a direction along the centerline CLO of the outlet chamber. The ventilation surface 2142 of the mouthpiece 207 is provided on an end portion

2072 of the mouthpiece, which is located at an end of the mouthpiece which is opposite to the end presenting the outlet opening 204.

The ventilation openings 214 are arranged to direct respective ventilation flows from the exterior of the mouthpiece into the outlet chamber. The orientations of the ventilation openings are such that the ventilation flows through the ventilation openings are parallel with the centerline CLO of the outlet chamber. The ventilation openings are cylindrical. They each have a diameter of 1.0 mm. Centerlines of the cylinders formed by the openings are parallel with the outlet chamber centerline CLO.

As exemplified in fig. 5, the extension, along the row of ventilation openings 214, of material 2075 of the mouthpiece 207 between any two of the ventilation openings is about 2% of the length of the row of ventilation openings 214. A ratio of the extension of the ventilation openings 214 along the row of ventilation openings, and the extension, along the row of ventilation openings, of material 2075 of the mouthpiece 207 between the ventilation openings, is about 1.0.

Reference is made also to fig. 6. As the user inhales, and activates a release of an amount of the compound from the container, a combination of the ventilation flows surrounds the flow of the compound through the outlet chamber. The ventilation flows form a wall of air WOA in the outlet chamber. A boundary BMC of a mist of the compound extends from the permeable sheet 206 to the wall of air WOA. The wall of air prevents the compound mist to expand further. The compound mist and the wall of air may mix as the mist moves into the mouth of the user. This mix is illustrated as vortexes MV along the wall of air. As suggested, this provides a beneficial shape of the plume in the mouth, providing for a dependable delivery of the compound to the throat and lungs of the user.

Reference is made to fig. 7, showing details of an embodiment which is similar to the embodiments show in fig. 1 - fig. 6, with the exception for the following: The ventilation openings 214 are elongate and extend along the row of openings. The width of the ventilation openings may be about 0.5 mm.

Reference is made to fig. 8, showing details of an embodiment which is similar to the embodiments show in fig. 1 - fig. 6, with the exception for the following: The ventilation openings 214 are angled so as to guide the flows of air partly towards the outlet opening 204, and partly inwards in the outlet chamber 208. Thereby, the outlets 2141 of the ventilation openings 214 are located on an interior surface 2072 of the longitudinal wall portion 2071.

Reference is made to fig. 9a - fig. 9f, showing alternative cross-sectional shapes of the conduit 203 formed by the inhaler body.

Claims

1. An inhaler body for an inhaler for administering a substance to a person,

- wherein the inhaler body forms a passage (201, 203, 205, 208) adapted to guide a compound including the substance from a container (3) to an outlet opening (204) of the inhaler body,

- wherein the inhaler body comprises a mouthpiece (207) forming an outlet chamber (208) as a part of the passage, which outlet chamber presents the outlet opening (204),

- wherein a row of ventilation openings (214) is formed in the mouthpiece,

- which ventilation openings (214) are located at a distance from a centerline (CLO) of the outlet chamber,

- wherein the row of ventilation openings (214) circumvents the centerline (CLO) of the outlet chamber (208), characterized in that the ventilation openings are arranged to direct respective ventilation flows from the exterior of the mouthpiece into the outlet chamber,

2. An inhaler body according to claim 1, wherein the orientations of the ventilation openings are such that the air flows through the ventilation openings are substantially parallel with the outlet chamber centerline.

3. An inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the row of ventilation openings has a substantially elliptical shape.

4. An inhaler body according to claim 3, wherein the major axis of the ellipse formed by the row of ventilation openings is 35-55 mm, and the minor axis of the ellipse formed by the row of ventilation openings is 25-45 mm.

5. An inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension, along the row of ventilation openings (214), of material of the mouthpiece (207) between any two of the ventilation openings is less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, for example 2%, of the length of the row of ventilation openings (214).

6. An inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of the extension of the ventilation openings (214) along the row of ventilation openings, and the extension, along the row of ventilation openings, of material of the mouthpiece

(207) between the ventilation openings, is at least 0.5, preferably at least 0.75, for example 1.0.

7. An inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein respective outlets (2141) of the ventilation openings are provided in an interior ventilation surface (2142) of the mouthpiece, which ventilation surface is at least partly facing in a direction along the centerline (CLO) of the outlet chamber.

8. An inhaler body according to claim 7, wherein the mouthpiece (207) comprises a longitudinal wall portion (2071) which extends mainly around the outlet chamber

(208) and along the centerline (CLO) of the outlet chamber, wherein the ventilation surface of the mouthpiece (207) is provided on an end portion (2072) of the mouthpiece, which is located at an end of the mouthpiece which is opposite to the end presenting the outlet opening.

9. An inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece (207) comprises a longitudinal wall portion (2071) which extends mainly around the outlet chamber (208) and along the centerline (CLO) of the outlet chamber, wherein respective outlets (2141) of the ventilation openings (214) are located closer to the longitudinal wall portion (2071) than to the centerline (CLO) of the outlet chamber (208), and/or located on an interior surface (2072) of the longitudinal wall portion (2071).

10. An inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein inlets of the ventilation openings are provided in an exterior surface of the mouthpiece.

11. An inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the row of ventilation openings (214) comprises at least five, preferably at least ten, preferably at least fifteen, ventilation openings.

12. An inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation openings are cylindrical.

13. An inhaler body according to claim 12, wherein the ventilation openings each have a diameter of 0.5-1.5 mm, for example 1.0 mm.

14. An inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inhaler body comprises, a sheet (206) that is permeable to an aerosol of the compound flowing through the passage (201, 203, 205, 208), the sheet being located upstream of outlets (2141) of the ventilation openings.

15. An inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inhaler body comprises, a sheet (206) that is permeable to an aerosol of the compound flowing through the passage (201, 203, 205, 208), the sheet forming an upstream limitation of the outlet chamber (208).

16. An inhaler body according to any one of claims 14-15, wherein the maximum extension of the sheet is 7-14 mm.

17. An inhaler body according to any one of claims 14-16, wherein the ventilation openings (214) are, in a transverse direction in relation to the outlet chamber centerline (CLO), located outside of the sheet.

18. An inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inhaler body forms a conduit as a part of the passage (201, 203, 205, 208), wherein the passage has a cross-sectional area that varies along the passage, wherein the conduit forms the narrowest part of the passage (201, 203, 205, 208), wherein, in a transverse cross-section of the conduit, the ratio of the square of the conduit perimeter length and the cross-sectional area of the conduit is higher than 4 times TI.

19. An inhaler body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inhaler body forms a conduit as a part of the passage (201, 203, 205, 208), wherein the conduit forms the narrowest part of the passage, wherein at an outlet of the conduit, the inhaler body presents an outlet surface which is angled so as to face partly in a downstream direction of the conduit, and partly radially outwardly in relation to the conduit. An inhaler (1) with an inhaler body (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a container (3) holding a compound including the substance.