It is hoped the treatment will be available soon

Biotechnologists at the University of Glasgow have joined with the University of Strathclyde to patent a method of dry protein-coated microcrystals.

When the crystals are made small enough they can be inhaled.

The particles must be small enough to get through the tiny passages that lead to the deep lung.

It is from there the particles are transferred into the blood stream.

It is the first time anyone in the world has made proteins small enough to be inhaled.

Artificial lung

Scientists believe there will be a big demand for delivering drugs that do not require injections.

The team developing the process has used an artificial lung to test that the particles are small enough to pass through the convoluted passageways.

A Scottish Enterprise proof of concept grant has allowed the university teams to develop a drug that could have commercial uses.

The universities believe that they could have a product in the marketplace within two to five years.

And they say that this technology could go on to dominate the drug delivery market.