Partnership Forms for the Development of Inhaled Antiviral Treatments
Aptar Pharma has entered into a technical collaboration with COVIRIX Medical to evaluate its handheld dry powder inhaler device with broad‑spectrum antiviral compounds for high‑risk respiratory viruses.
Drug delivery specialist, Aptar Pharma, has entered into a technical collaboration with Australian biotech, COVIRIX Medical, to assess whether it can adapt its proprietary dry powder inhalation (DPI) platform for the delivery of COVIRIX Medical’s antiviral compound. The partnership aims to develop an integrated finished product for potential use against several pandemic‑potential respiratory viruses, including COVID‑19, seasonal influenza, avian influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (1).
Under the collaboration, Aptar will evaluate the compatibility of COVIRIX Medical’s antivirals with its Orbital DPI, a handheld device designed to deliver high‑payload dry powder formulations directly to the lungs. Orbital can be configured as a single‑use or reusable inhaler and is promoted as offering advantages over capsule‑based powder delivery in terms of dose flexibility and ease of use for a growing range of molecules. Aptar will also draw on its specialist services ecosystem, including formulation development through Nanopharm to help optimize the drug–device combination and support regulatory and clinical development if the feasibility phase is successful.
COVIRIX Medical lead candidates are patented broad‑spectrum antivirals that have been specifically designed for administration directly to the respiratory tract, with the goal of achieving high local efficacy at lower doses while limiting systemic exposure and associated side effects. The company’s compounds belong to the iminosugar glucosidase inhibitor class, which target host pathways involved in viral entry and replication, and are positioned for both treatment and prevention of pulmonary viral infections. Additionally, the company reports that its antiviral portfolio has generated positive virology data against key pandemic‑relevant pathogens, supporting the rationale for progressing inhaled formulations (2).
“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, in a company press release (1). “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.”
“This collaboration provides access to critical delivery technology and commercial relationships,” added Dr. Kumud Dhital, Director and CEO of COVIRIX Medical, in the press release (1). “It accelerates our path to market for a much-needed antiviral solution, creating a win-win for both companies and global public health.”
Although the collaboration is still at an early feasibility stage, it reflects growing interest in inhaled antivirals to deliver treatment directly to the respiratory tract. If Aptar and COVIRIX Medical can demonstrate a viable formulation and device match, the program could add another inhaled contender to the emerging toolkit for pandemic preparedness and seasonal respiratory disease management.
References
Aptar Pharma. Aptar Pharma and COVIRIX Medical Partner to Develop Inhalable Antiviral Treatments. Press release, March 12, 2026.
COVIRIX. Core Products, Targeted Delivery Technologies. COVIRIX.com (accessed April 2, 2026).