The firm’s DPI is cardboard-based with the same dimensions as a credit card, and the platform technology includes a breathable membrane to help deliver individual, inhalable medicines to patients.

Inhalable medicines are already widely used to treat health conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, and allergies. However, delivery options have been somewhat limited due to aspects like cost, performance, and environmental impact.

Scottish investment syndicate Archangels led the £2 million funding round with support from British Business Investments (BBI), seed investors, and Dr Yusuf Hamied, the non-executive chairman of pharmaceutical giant Cipla.

1nhaler is set to use the investment to work with global businesses and help bring new and existing drugs to patients in a more efficient and affordable way.

The Scots firm was founded by Don Smith and Lisa McMyn in 2017. Its team includes the likes of chief scientific officer Helen Muirhead, who had responsibility for GSK’s respiratory portfolio, including the Diskus and Ellipta inhalers.

“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 devices,” said McMyn.

“Securing funding from Archangels is invaluable for the next steps in the 1nhaler’s development. Their life sciences expertise and patient capital approach are exactly what we’re looking for in a funding partner.”

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Dr Sarah Hardy, director and head of new investments at Archangels, also commented: “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.

“We’re proud to add 1nhaler to our portfolio of Scotland’s leading life sciences and technology businesses and look forward to working with them to increase the availability of life-saving drugs affordably and sustainably.”

Operating since 1992, Archangels’ investor members have invested over £160 million in early-stage companies with new technologies, protectable IP, and the potential to scale globally.