Aptar Pharma Provides Unit-Dose Nasal Spray Technology for Opioid Overdose

Aptar Pharma recently announced it has provided the delivery system and regulatory support for Adapt Pharma’s Narcan, which is the first US FDA-approved nasally administered, needle-free, ready-to use medication that can stop or reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

“Aptar Pharma leads the industry in nasal drug delivery expertise. We have collaborated closely with Adapt Pharma to ensure the rapid approval of this potentially life-saving product using our Unit-dose System (UDS). The regulations and requirements for market approvals are rapidly evolving and customers must seek out trusted partners like Aptar Pharma. We are continually investing in resources and capabilities to support our customers in reaching the market quickly,” said Salim Haffar, President of Aptar Pharma.

Estimated at over $2 billion in 2015, the world market for intra-nasal spray systemic drug delivery has experienced strong growth in the last few years. The list of therapies successfully treated via the nasal route continues to grow from the traditional areas of migraine, osteoporosis, and endometriosis, to now include post-operative pain (ketorolac), cancer pain (fentanyl), osteoporosis, prostate cancer, urinary incontinence, anemia, and vaccinations.

Narcan contains naloxone which is an opioid antagonist. It is marketed in the US for emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose.

“The US is facing an unprecedented opioid overdose epidemic. By making Narcan Nasal Spray available, we hope to increase everyone’s access to emergency treatments across the US,” said Seamus Mulligan, Chairman and CEO of Adapt Pharma.

Aptar Pharma has brought to the partnership its unique experience in nasal drug delivery and regulatory expertise in relation to combination drug-device products successfully supporting Adapt Pharma’s new drug application.

Aptar Pharma’s UDS is the preferred liquid spray drug delivery technology platform when dose accuracy and ease of administration are critical. The single-shot UDS system’s primeless feature combined with 360 degree orientation offer the patient or the caregiver unique ready-to-use convenience.

Aptar Pharma is a part of the AptarGroup family of companies, along with Aptar Beauty + Home and Aptar Food + Beverage. AptarGroup, Inc. is a leading global supplier of a broad range of innovative dispensing solutions for the beauty, personal care, home care, prescription drug, consumer health care, injectables, food, and beverage markets. AptarGroup is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois, with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia and South America. To learn more, visit www.aptar.com/pharma.