FAQ

3M has been developing inhalation delivery systems for over 50 years. The world's first metered dose inhaler (MDI) was introduced in 1956 by, followed by the launch of the world's first breath actuated MDI in 1970. Significant developments since that time have included the launch of the Autohaler™ in 1987 and the introduction of the world's first CFC-free MDI in 1995. 3M has a leadership role in the research, development, and manufacturing of a new generation of environmentally improved, technologically advanced MDIs.

The key advantages of MDIs are their proven therapeutic effectiveness along with demonstrated cost effectiveness. The dose delivered to the patient is consistently assured because the device does the metering automatically. The dose delivered is not dependent on the patient's respiratory rate. Whereas with the drug powder devices, the dose-to-dose amount delivered depends on the patient's inspiration function.

3M has a variety of techniques to evaluate the compatibility of your drug with our systems. We are able to perform a Pre-Feasibility Assessment and/or conduct Feasibility experiments as determined by your needs, please visit our Partnering page for more details. If you would like someone to contact you, please complete the information on the Contact Us page and a 3M Drug Delivery Systems Program Manager will contact you with two business days.

3M's proprietary drug-in-adhesive technology platform is a versatile technology that provides compatibility with a variety of drugs. 3M has a long history of adhesive technology and manufacturing capabilities. This expertise combined with our pharmaceutical experience and formulation chemistry allows us to customize the adhesive for each compound.

3M has a variety of techniques to evaluate the compatibility of your drug with our systems. We are able to perform a Pre-Feasibility Assessment and/or conduct a Feasibility experiment as determined by your needs. Please visit our Partnering page for more details. If you would like someone to contact you, please complete the information on the Contact Us page and a 3M Drug Delivery Systems Program Manager will contact you within two business days.

Selecting the Contact Us link found in various locations throughout the site will bring you to the Contact Us page. The Contact Us page allows you to enter a message and contact information, we will respond to your inquiry within two business days.

A Pre-Feasibility Assessment is the first step in determining whether your product is a likely candidate for delivery by one or more of our technologies. Our Pre-feasibility Assessment process provides a realistic technological assessment of our ability to deliver your compound. Pre-Feasibility Assessments are performed without fee and are completed within two weeks of receiving your technical information. Please visit our Partnering page for more details. As we evaluate the likelihood of technological success, we also evaluate the business opportunity. Once feasibility is determined through our Pre-Feasibility Assessment process and we mutually determine that the business opportunity is favorable, we establish the partnership.

We believe mutual participation throughout development, rapid technical assessment with "Go/No go" milestone decision points, a rigorous cost and timeline management focus, and our process capability can foster a successful partnership and a product developed within your target objectives.