Aptar Pharma Granted Exclusive License Option by Pharmaxis to Develop & Promote High Payload Dry Powder Inhaler

Aptar Pharma recently announced it has entered into an agreement with Pharmaxis under which Aptar Pharma has the option to acquire the worldwide rights to Pharmaxis’ proprietary high payload dry powder inhaler, Orbital. As part of the agreement, Aptar Pharma will evaluate the commercial applications for the Orbital device and further develop the prototype device to meet unmet market needs. Pharmaxis retains the rights to devices containing Orbital intellectual property used to deliver inhaled mannitol.

The Orbital technology is built on Pharmaxis patents, which allow powder payloads of up to 400 mg or more to be inhaled by patients in divided doses without the need to reload. This unique platform was originally developed as a life cycle-extending product for the Pharmaxis cystic fibrosis drug Bronchitol. However, it also meets an increasing global need to deliver high doses of other drugs, such as antibiotics, to the lungs.

Howard Burnett, Vice President Global Pulmonary Category, Aptar Pharma, commented “We are pleased to partner with Pharmaxis on this novel technology, which continues the development of Aptar Pharma’s industry-leading portfolio of devices for inhalation. Coupled with our broad Aptar Pharma Services offering, we will seek to expand the range of drugs administered by inhalation.”

“I am delighted with the forthcoming partnership with Aptar Pharma, who are one of the world’s foremost drug delivery device companies. In their hands, we hope to fully exploit the potential of the Orbital technology in other drugs and secure a return on the work we have already completed,” added Pharmaxis CEO Gary Phillips. “The Orbital Inhaler is an innovative new device that eliminates the need for manual reloading of multiple powder containing capsules needed for a single dose of drug. This can deliver improvements in the patient experience, compliance, market share and also effectively extend patent life of drugs that use the device.”

Pharmaxis Ltd is an Australian clinical stage drug development company developing drugs for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, with a focus on myelofibrosis. The company has a highly productive drug discovery engine built on its expertise in the chemistry of amine oxidase inhibitors, with drug candidates in clinical trials. Pharmaxis has also developed two respiratory products which are approved and supplied in global markets, generating ongoing revenue. Pharmaxis is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (PXS). Its head office, manufacturing and research facilities are in Sydney, Australia. For more information, visit www.pharmaxis.com.au.

Aptar Pharma is part of AptarGroup, Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacturing of a broad range of drug delivery, consumer product dispensing and active material science solutions. Aptar’s innovative solutions and services serve a variety of end markets including pharmaceutical, beauty, personal care, home, food and beverage. Using insights, proprietary design, engineering and science to create dispensing, dosing and protective technologies for many of the world’s leading brands, Aptar in turn makes a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of millions of patients and consumers around the world. Aptar is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois and has 13,000 dedicated employees in 20 countries. For more information, visit www.aptar.com.