Aptar Pharma, a global leader in drug delivery and protection technologies, has announced a technical collaboration with Australian biopharma company COVIRIX Medical under a Letter of Intent to explore its next-generation antiviral inhaler.

 

The partnership will focus on a feasibility study to adapt Aptar Pharma’s proprietary dry powder inhalation (DPI) platform for COVIRIX Medical’s antiviral compound. If successful, the initiative could lead to an integrated inhaled therapy targeting multiple pandemic‑potential respiratory viruses, including Covid-19, seasonal and avian influenza, and RSV.

 

COVIRIX Medical says its broad-spectrum antiviral portfolio has already shown positive virology results against key pandemic threats. The company is advancing its patented compounds for inhaled delivery to hit the respiratory tract directly, aiming for high local efficacy with minimal 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,” said Jonathan Mulpas, Aptar Pharma’s Director of Business Development, Pulmonary Category. 

 

“Our specialized services were created precisely for this purpose - to guide customers through complex regulatory pathways and advance their programs efficiently, backed by more than three decades of deep experience in respiratory drug delivery.”

 

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

 

Aptar Pharma’s Orbital DPI technology, a novel hand-held inhaler capable of single-use or reusable operation, delivers high-payload powder formulations directly to the lungs. 

 

The device offers advantages over traditional powder capsule methods, and the collaboration will also leverage Aptar Pharma’s formulation expertise through Nanopharm, an Aptar Pharma company, to fast-track development of a finished drug product.

 

The companies caution that the collaboration is focused on feasibility work and does not guarantee development or commercialization of any product.