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Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) have become fundamental elements in pulmonary drug delivery, providing a propellant-free and easy-to-use solution for the treatment of respiratory diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis. Recent innovations in formulation science, particle engineering and device design have greatly enhanced the aerosolization performance, lung delivery deposition patterns as well as therapeutic effects of dry powder (DP) respiratory drugs. Through nanotechnology based formulation for improved drug bioavailability and targeted pulmonary delivery followed by the development of smart inhaler devices combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled networks that provide real-time monitoring subsequently adherence tracking. However, the challenges of manufacturing scale-up, formulation stability and regulation still exist. Pollution control programs with green materials and low–carbon inhaler system designs additionally affect the continuing invention of DPI systems over time. Future directions of research are likely to focus on AI-informed formulation development, biologic and peptide delivery approaches alongside next generation sensor enabled inhalers. This review discusses recent advances, present challenges and abiotic cues that are paving the way to DPI-based respiratory therapeutics.

Keywords: Dry powder inhalers; Artificial intelligence; Internet of things; Smart inhalers; Mobile health applications; Nanoparticles; Nebulizers; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease