Aptar Pharma has announced a technical collaboration with Australian biopharma company COVIRIX Medical Pty Ltd to explore the development of an inhalable antiviral therapy targeting pandemic-potential respiratory viruses. The collaboration, established under a Letter of Intent, focuses on conducting a feasibility study to adapt Aptar Pharma’s proprietary dry powder inhalation (DPI) platform for delivering COVIRIX Medical’s antiviral compound directly to the respiratory tract.
This partnership reflects a growing trend in healthcare innovation where advanced drug delivery technologies are combined with antiviral research to improve treatment effectiveness for respiratory diseases. By integrating inhalation-based delivery systems with antiviral compounds, the collaboration aims to create a potential therapeutic solution for viruses such as COVID-19, seasonal influenza, avian influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
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COVIRIX Medical has reported promising virology results across several pandemic-potential respiratory viruses through its portfolio of broad-spectrum antiviral compounds. The company is currently advancing its patented antiviral candidates toward inhaled delivery to enable targeted treatment within the lungs. This localized approach is designed to increase drug concentration at the infection site while reducing systemic exposure and potential side effects.
Aptar Pharma’s expertise in respiratory drug delivery will play a central role in evaluating the feasibility of this approach. The collaboration will utilize the company’s advanced Orbital™ Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) platform, a handheld inhalation device designed to deliver high payload powder formulations directly into the lungs. The device offers flexibility as either a single-use or reusable inhaler and is engineered to support a wide range of pharmaceutical compounds.
Jonathan Mulpas, Director of Business Development for the Pulmonary Category at Aptar Pharma, emphasized the strategic importance of combining advanced drug delivery systems with antiviral development. According to Mulpas, the collaboration demonstrates Aptar Pharma’s commitment to supporting innovative therapies that have the potential to address global healthcare challenges. He also noted that Aptar’s respiratory drug delivery expertise and regulatory support services can help accelerate the development process and guide partners through complex pharmaceutical approval pathways.
Dr. Kumud Dhital, Director and Chief Executive Officer of COVIRIX Medical, highlighted the value of gaining access to Aptar Pharma’s delivery technologies and industry relationships. He explained that the collaboration could accelerate the company’s path toward developing an effective antiviral therapy that may contribute to global pandemic preparedness.
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The feasibility study will also leverage Aptar Pharma’s specialized pharmaceutical services through Nanopharm, an Aptar company that focuses on inhalation formulation development. These services are intended to support the optimization of the drug formulation and help advance the development of a potential finished product.
While the collaboration is currently focused on early-stage feasibility research, the initiative reflects broader healthcare industry efforts to develop innovative antiviral solutions capable of addressing emerging respiratory threats. The outcome of the study will determine whether the companies move forward toward product development and eventual commercialization.
If successful, the integration of COVIRIX Medical’s antiviral compounds with Aptar Pharma’s inhalation technology could contribute to the development of targeted respiratory therapies designed to improve treatment delivery and patient outcomes in future viral outbreaks.
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