1nhaler lands funding for sustainable inhaler

An Edinburgh-based medical technology company is set to accelerate development of a new sustainable inhaler following an investment round.

1nhaler has secured £1.5 million in seed funding to advance its pop-up cardboard dry powder inhaler, a novel single-dose device designed to offer a more accessible, affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic inhalers. 

The round was led by Archangels with support from Scottish Enterprise and BBB Investments, building on a £2 million raise completed in 2023.

1nhaler’s lead product has delivered performance results comparable with market-leading multidose inhalers and is attracting commercial interest across multiple therapeutic areas, including asthma, COPD and neurological conditions. 

The inhaler’s patented membrane-based system unfolds from a credit-card-sized format into a three-dimensional device tailored to deliver different dry-powder medications.

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

Founded by Don Smith and Lisa McMyn, the company has built a team with extensive expertise in respiratory drug delivery, including former GSK and AstraZeneca leaders. 

Don and Lisa say they will use the investment to progress its platform towards a first marketing authorisation application, which is targeted for late 2027. 

This includes manufacturing clinical material for regulatory studies and developing large-scale commercial production processes. 

Lisa 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, added: “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.”

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