1nhaler raises £2.2M to replace plastic inhalers with cardboard alternative

Funding to accelerate late-stage development

Scottish drug delivery startup 1nhaler has raised £2.2 million in follow-on funding led by Archangels, with participation from Scottish Enterprise and BBB Investments. The funds will advance the late-stage development of 1nhaler Salbutamol, a dry powder inhaler (DPI) integrated with salbutamol, a widely used asthma medication.

The investment will support technical transfer to contract manufacturing, a small clinical trial, and regulatory filing targeted for late 2027. Additionally, the funding will enable a manufacturing engineering study with Harro Höfliger to scale up production of the cardboard-based inhaler.

A sustainable alternative to plastic inhalers

1nhaler’s platform replaces traditional bulky plastic inhalers with a credit card-sized device made predominantly from cardboard. The single-dose DPI transforms into a three-dimensional inhaler for use and is designed to improve accessibility, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.

The device features few components, including a patent-protected membrane system, making it simpler and more affordable to manufacture at scale. Its compact design and sustainability address key limitations of existing inhalers, including user accessibility and waste.

Beyond respiratory conditions

While 1nhaler Salbutamol targets asthma and respiratory conditions, the platform’s versatility extends to other therapeutic areas. The company is exploring applications for pain relief and vaccines, with early commercial interest indicating broader market potential.

Lisa McMyn, co-founder and CEO of 1nhaler, highlighted the significance of the funding in advancing the lead product into clinical studies. She noted that the platform’s adaptability has attracted interest from potential partners across a wider range of drugs than initially anticipated.

Investor confidence and next steps

Archangels, which has backed 1nhaler since 2023, expressed confidence in the team and the device’s potential to disrupt the global inhalable medicines market. Dr Sarah Hardy, Director and Head of New Investments at Archangels, emphasized the commercial traction and interest from partners as key drivers for the follow-on investment.

The funding will also support business development discussions with parties interested in the platform’s innovation. With regulatory filing targeted for late 2027, 1nhaler aims to demonstrate the device’s performance in patients, marking a critical step toward commercialization.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

1nhaler’s funding and development signal growing momentum for sustainable medical devices in a market dominated by plastic. For founders and operators in the drug delivery and healthcare innovation space, this deal highlights three key trends:

First, regulatory and commercial pathways for novel materials (like cardboard) in medical devices are becoming viable. 1nhaler’s focus on a credit card-sized, environmentally friendly inhaler demonstrates that sustainability can align with cost efficiency and scalability—critical factors for both investors and healthcare providers.

Second, the platform’s potential applications beyond respiratory conditions—such as pain relief and vaccines—show how a single innovation can disrupt multiple therapeutic areas. Startups working on modular or adaptable drug delivery systems may find validation in 1nhaler’s approach, particularly as partners and investors show interest in its versatility.

Finally, the involvement of Archangels, Scottish Enterprise, and BBB Investments underscores the importance of regional ecosystems in backing deep-tech healthcare solutions. For founders outside traditional hubs, this deal illustrates that specialized investors are willing to support niche innovations with global market potential, provided the technology addresses clear unmet needs.

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