An Edinburgh-based startup that has created a cardboard-based inhaler to deliver drugs to patients has secured a £2m investment.
1inhaler said its dry powder inhaler (DPI) is more affordable and environmentally friendly than “bulky plastic” alternatives.
The Scottish startup’s inhaler – which has the same dimensions as a credit card – can be used to deliver various dry powder drugs. 1nhaler said it will use the injection of capital to partner with other companies.
Scottish investor Archangels led the seed funding round. Additional capital came from British Business Investments and seed investors, along with Dr Yusuf Hamied, the non-executive chairman of pharmaceutical giant Cipla.
Founded in 2017 by Don Smith and Lisa McMyn, 1nhaler’s product can be tailored to deliver individual drugs to patients via a breathable membrane. The recyclable inhaler can be delivered flat and then expanded into a 3D inhaler.
“Our DPI has the potential to become the simplest, most convenient single-dose, disposable inhaler on the market, revolutionising the delivery of critical drugs, without the cost and environmental impact of existing device,” said McMyn, who is also the CEO of 1nhaler.
Dr Sarah Hardy, director and head of new investments at Archangels, said: “Don, Lisa and the team at 1nhaler have developed a truly innovative technology platform with a clear route to market and opportunity to positively disrupt the status quo of single-dose medicine delivery”.
Archangels, also based in Edinburgh, has a network of 120 angel investors that have invested over £160m into tech businesses over the last three decades.
Read more: Beyond the Capital with Scottish angel network Archangels