Aptar Pharma and Macquarie University have launched a three-year research collaboration focused on manufacturing and formulation approaches for the pulmonary delivery of biologic medicines under an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project.
The project, titled “Unlocking the Potential of Dry Powder Carriers for Biologic Applications” (ARC LP250100089), will investigate how different dry powder formulations perform when delivered using Aptar Pharma’s Orbital™ dry powder inhaler platform, according to AptarGroup, Inc.
In a news release, AptarGroup said the research will examine engineered, blended and combined dry powder formulations, with researchers assessing how formulation characteristics affect aerosol behaviour and device performance.
The collaboration will also use the resulting data to develop computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to investigate aerosol behaviour and particle transport. Aptar said the models are intended to provide further insight into dry powder formulation design and inhalation system performance.
The company said the research addresses challenges associated with delivering large doses of complex biologic molecules while maintaining formulation integrity and aerosol performance.
“Biologic medicines represent a promising area of pharmaceutical development, yet significant challenges remain in translating their potential into effective inhaled therapies,” said Guillaume Brouet, Vice President, Scientific Affairs, Aptar Pharma.
“By combining academic and industry expertise, this program will help advance scientific understanding of high-dose dry powder delivery and support the development of future inhaled biologic medicines,” Brouet said.
According to Aptar, the project is supported by ARC and industry funding and brings together Macquarie University’s academic research capabilities with the company’s expertise in inhalation science, pharmaceutical development and drug delivery technology.
Macquarie University Professor of Respiratory Science Daniela Traini said the ARC Linkage Program supports collaborations aimed at translating research into practical applications.
“This project brings together researchers and industry experts to investigate critical questions in dry powder biologic delivery and support the future development of innovative inhaled therapies,” Traini said.
Aptar said the three-year program is expected to generate further understanding of the relationship between formulation design and inhaler performance, with the research focused on advancing knowledge of dry powder delivery for biologic medicines.
