Aptar Pharma has collaborated with COVIRIX Medical under a Letter of Intent (LoI). The collaboration will focus on a feasibility study to adapt Aptar Pharma’s proprietary Dry Powder Inhalation (DPI) platform for the delivery of COVIRIX Medical’s anti-viral compound. If successful, the project intends to explore development of an integrated finished product for potential use against several pandemic?potential respiratory viruses including - but not limited to - Covid-19, seasonal influenza, avian influenza and RSV.

COVIRIX Medical reports that its antiviral portfolio has demonstrated positive virology results against key pandemic?potential viruses. The company is advancing its patented broad?spectrum anti-viral compounds towards inhaled delivery to directly target the respiratory tract, aiming for high local efficacy while minimising systemic side effects.

“Covirix’s portfolio of antivirals addresses several global challenges, and Aptar Pharma is proud to actively support and accelerate the development of a product that has the potential to help patients worldwide. Our specialised services were created precisely for this purpose - to guide customers through complex regulatory pathways and advance their programmes efficiently, backed by more than three decades of deep experience in respiratory drug delivery,” said Jonathan Mulpas, Director of Business Development, Pulmonary Category, Aptar Pharma.

Aptar Pharma’s advanced DPI technology, Orbital, is a novel, easy-to-use device that delivers high payload powder drug formulations directly to the lungs. A single use or reusable, adaptable, hand-held dry powder inhaler, Orbital provides many advantages over powder capsule drug delivery methods for a growing range of molecules.

Dr Kumud Dhital, Director and CEO, COVIRIX Medical, added, “This collaboration provides access to critical delivery technology and commercial relationships. It accelerates our path to market for a much-needed anti-viral solution, creating a win-win for both companies and global public health.”

This collaboration will also leverage Aptar Pharma’s range of services, including formulation development via Nanopharm, an Aptar Pharma company, to facilitate and accelerate the development of the finished drug product.

The collaboration described above is focused on feasibility work and does not guarantee the development or commercialisation of any product.