The funding round was led by Archangels with support from Scottish Enterprise and BBB Investments. It follows an initial raise of £2 million in 2023 in a funding round also led by Archangels.

The investment will enable 1nhaler to advance its innovative platform technology towards a first Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) targeted for late 2027. This includes the manufacture of clinical material for regulatory studies and the design of large-scale commercial manufacturing processes.

Inhalable medicines are already used to treat conditions such as asthma, COPD, influenza, anaphylaxis, epilepsy, depression and Parkinson’s. 1nhaler’s unique single-dose DPI platform addresses key limitations in current delivery options around user accessibility, cost, performance and environmental impact.

Unlike conventional inhalers typically made from bulky plastic, 1nhaler’s DPI is made predominantly from eco-friendly cardboard and the size and shape of a credit card for improved portability. The novel platform technology incorporates a patent-protected membrane-based system that transforms into a three-dimensional inhaler for patient use. The system can be tailored to deliver different dry powder drugs effectively.

Performance data from 1nhaler’s lead product demonstrates results on par with leading multidose dry powder inhalers. The company is actively engaged in commercial discussions with companies across different therapeutic opportunities, working to bring new and existing drugs to patients in a more efficient, affordable and sustainable way.

1nhaler has already established manufacturing partnerships with Upperton for clinical manufacture and Harro Höfliger for large-scale manufacturing process development.

Based in Edinburgh, the company was founded by Don Smith and Lisa McMyn. They have assembled a team of industry experts with decades of experience taking inhaled products to market, including Chief Scientific Officer Helen Muirhead who was Head of the Respiratory Centre of Excellence and had development responsibility for GSK’s blockbuster respiratory portfolio, including the Diskus and Ellipta inhalers. Last year, they appointed Jane Gaddum, formerly Vice President for emerging brands within global marketing for AstraZeneca, as Board Chair and Non-Executive Director (NxD).

Lisa McMyn, co-founder and chief executive officer at 1nhaler, said: “This additional funding represents strong continued confidence in our technology platform and our progress towards commercialisation. The support from Archangels, Scottish Enterprise and BBB Investments is enabling us to advance our clinical and manufacturing capabilities as we work towards regulatory approval.

“Our platform has the potential to become the simplest, most convenient single-dose, disposable inhaler on the market, transforming the delivery of inhalable drugs without the cost and environmental impact of existing devices.”

Dr Sarah Hardy, director and head of new investments at Archangels, added: “We’re delighted to continue supporting 1nhaler as they make good progress towards bringing their disruptive technology platform to market. The team has demonstrated strong technical validation and is building meaningful commercial partnerships across multiple therapeutic areas.”

“1nhaler’s more sustainable approach to drug delivery addresses a critical need in healthcare, and we’re excited to support the next stage of their journey towards regulatory approval and commercialisation.”

Derek Shaw, director of entrepreneurship and investment at Scottish Enterprise, commented: “1nhaler is a great example of the kind of world-class innovation we want to see scale from Scotland.

“Their technology combines cutting-edge design with sustainability, addressing global healthcare needs while reducing environmental impact.

“This investment will help accelerate 1nhaler’s journey towards international markets and commercial manufacturing, reinforcing Scotland’s position as a leader in life sciences and health innovation