Intranasal corticosteroids: the development of a drug delivery device for fluticasone furoate as a potential step toward improved compliance

Devices for the aqueous delivery of intranasal corticosteroids to patients with allergic rhinitis have been available since 1984, so there is a need for new devices to be developed to provide ease of use, efficacy and safety. A novel drug delivery system has been developed for fluticasone furoate (FF; GlaxoSmithKline): a new enhanced-affinity glucocorticoid with a scent-free formulation. The FF system was developed, giving attention to patients' unmet needs, in order to promote acceptance and compliance. It demonstrates a number of key features including its ergonomic design, side-actuation system and short delivery nozzle. Exploiting issues with present devices highlighted the need for the FF system. This review reports data from key studies and surveys conducted by GlaxoSmithKline during development, to determine ease of use and acceptance of the FF system. Findings suggest that the FF system should aid in improving attitudes to the use of intranasal corticosteroids amongst physicians and patients.