Partnership formed for dry powder inhalation

Manufacturer of components for metered dose inhalers (MDIs), H&T Presspart, is collaborating with Hovione Technology for the expansion of its portfolio of novel drug delivery systems in respiratory care.

As part of the partnership, H&T Presspart has acquired the global rights to manufacture and commercialise a capsule-based dry powder inhaler (DPI) originated by Hovione. An enhanced version of the DPI was unveiled at Respiratory Drug Delivery (RDD) Europe by H&T Presspart and will be marketed as PowdAir Plus.

“This is a strategically significant partnership for H&T Presspart and underlines our commitment to forging alliances that accelerate the development, global scale-up and commercialisation of novel drug delivery solutions for respiratory patients,” said Peter Schmelzer, chairman of H&T Presspart. “This partnership supports our strategy to respond to the rapidly growing demand for dry powder inhalers across a range of needs, with this collaboration focused on providing a solution for developing markets.”

“We are delighted with the collaboration with H&T Presspart. With our expertise in DPI invention, design and development and Presspart’s mastery of large scale industrialisation and global distribution, we are very confident about success” added Peter Villax, CEO of Hovione Technology.

PowdAir Plus is a patented capsule-based DPI that has been developed in response to the patient need in developing markets. It is a complete unit with no metal or separate parts, it is compatible with all capsule types and as such can be used with any dry powder medicines.

Schmelzer emphasized, “As demand in developing markets is increasing, pharmaceutical companies are looking for devices that deliver reliable performance and meet high patient expectations for ease of use, but at a reduced cost.”