Aptar Pharma, a global leader in drug delivery and active material science solutions, has acquired the clinical trial materials manufacturing capabilities of Mod3 Pharma (formerly Enteris Biopharma) from SWK Holdings. The strategic acquisition strengthens Aptar's support for early-stage drug development by offering formulation, fill and finish services for Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials while enhancing adoption of its proprietary devices in early-stage clinical programs.
Addressing Unmet Market Needs
The acquisition builds on a successful collaboration between Aptar Pharma and Mod3 Pharma, particularly in serving customers with Phase 1 and Phase 2 cGMP fill and finish services for orally inhaled nasal drug products (OINDPs), filling a largely unmet need in the market. The capabilities acquired help Aptar address growing market demand for agile, high-quality Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) clinical trial material supply services that complement the segment's existing service offerings.
The acquisition also accelerates the adoption of new drug delivery technologies, initially focusing on OINDPs, with potential expansion into dermal, ophthalmic, injectable and secondary packaging solutions using Aptar's Active Material Science Solutions.
Enhanced Manufacturing Capabilities
Through this acquisition, Aptar Pharma will now operate an FDA-inspected, state-of-the-art facility in Boonton, New Jersey. The site includes cGMP cleanrooms, high-potency Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) suites, biologics capabilities, and advanced fill-finish technologies - fully aligned with Aptar Pharma's drug delivery solutions portfolio.
"Our vision at Aptar Pharma is clear: From formulation to patient. By integrating Phase 1 and 2 clinical manufacturing capabilities, we're not just expanding our technical footprint - we're deepening our commitment to customers seeking a seamless and accelerated path to market," said Gael Touya, President of Aptar Pharma. "This move reinforces our position as a trusted partner from molecule to delivery, and ultimately, to the patient."
Strategic Service Expansion
Sai Shankar, President, M&A, Strategy, Business Development, Marketing, Drug Services, emphasized the strategic nature of the expansion: "We're expanding our niche services to help customers move faster in areas of unmet need, and without duplicating the strengths of our trusted partners. This strategic expansion of our services builds on our legacy in drug dosing and dispensing systems by integrating deeper expertise as a drug delivery innovator, as well as product development and formulation, allowing us to offer more specialized and holistic support to our customers."
Dr. Paul Shields, CEO of Mod3 Pharma, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: "We are delighted to become part of the Aptar family. This acquisition reflects our shared commitment of accelerating the development of innovative therapies and bringing them to patients faster."
The acquisition positions Aptar Pharma to provide comprehensive support from formulation through clinical manufacturing, offering pharmaceutical companies a more integrated approach to early-stage drug development and delivery system implementation.
