Therapeutic formulations are described for use in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis, chlorine inhalation, influenza and acute myocardial infarction. The formulations comprise polymeric nanoparticles or polymeric nanoparticles encapsulated within cross-linked polymeric hydrogel microparticles, wherein the polymeric nanoparticles carry a therapeutic agent suitable for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis, chlorine inhalation, influenza, acute myocardial infarction and heart failure. Preferred formulations are inhalable, dry powder therapeutic formulations, which are able to swell on administration to the lungs of a patient.
