Aptar Pharma has announced the publication of 3 new international patent applications focused on enabling inhaled and nasal delivery of GLP-1-based therapies. The applications arise from an internal strategic R&D program intended to expand Aptar Pharma’s capabilities in biologics delivery and strengthen its Intellectual Property (IP) position in high-growth therapeutic areas.

The newly published patent applications describe formulation approaches for GLP-1 drug substances, including spray-dried and powder processing technologies designed to support nasal and pulmonary administration. Preclinical pharmacokinetic studies were performed on both liquid and powder formulations of semaglutide, showing up to 10x improvement in the systemic Cmax (peak blood concentration) when compared with a comparable oral dose in a preclinical model. Together, the published patent applications and supporting preclinical data provide preclinical proof-of-concept for Aptar Pharma’s formulation and device-enabled approaches in challenging peptide delivery scenarios.

These patent publications underscore Aptar Pharma’s sustained investment in advanced drug delivery solutions and broaden the company’s growing IP portfolio in aerosolised biologics. The development work was performed across Aptar Pharma Services teams in the UK, US and France, leveraging expertise in formulation science, analytical characterisation and device compatibility for Orally Inhaled and Nasal Drug Products (OINDPs).

The GLP-1 program aligns closely with Aptar Pharma’s broader biologics compatibility program, which is systematically assessing how complex biologic molecules—such as nucleic acids and proteins—and their often-associated nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems interact with Aptar Pharma’s nasal and pulmonary systems across a range of formulations and delivery formats. The company expects to present additional data at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications throughout 2026 and 2027, subject to the completion of ongoing research and applicable publication timelines.

Together, these initiatives highlight Aptar Pharma’s differentiated capability to support pharmaceutical companies involved in biologics product development through an integrated, end-to-end services model—from early feasibility and IP generation through to preclinical and clinical development activities.

Alex Theodorakis, President, Aptar Pharma Prescription, commented, “These patent publications reflect Aptar Pharma’s long-term commitment to addressing some of the most challenging delivery problems in the specialised field of intranasal and pulmonary delivery, including biologics and peptide-based therapies.”

As demand continues to grow for alternative, patient-friendly delivery routes for biologics such as GLP-1 therapies, Aptar Pharma is uniquely positioned to support innovators with scientific depth, proven delivery platforms and global infrastructure—helping advance next-generation products from early feasibility through development and commercialisation activities.

Sai Shankar, President, M&A, Strategy, Business Development, Marketing & Drug Services, Aptar Pharma, added, “By combining formulation and analytical innovation with proven device technologies, we are creating further opportunities for our pharmaceutical partners to accelerate their development programs with Aptar Pharma.”