The capsule-based DPI was developed by delivery system developer Hovione technologies but in an agreement announced today H&T will take on the global rights to manufacture and commercialise the product under the brand name PowdAir Plus.
“These DPI will be made at our Tarragona manufacturing plant in Spain,” Dr Anselm Ebert, H&T Presspart's global business development manager told in-Pharmatechnologist. “There is no tech transfer needed as H&T Presspart has its own tooling and machinery.”
PowdAir Plus is a DPI with no metal or separate parts, designed to be robust to withstand the mechanical stresses of frequent use. It is also compatible with all capsule types in size 3, so can be used with any dry powder medicines.
There are currently no products in commercialisation or the clinic using this DPI tech, but the firm is in discussion with a number of pharmaceutical companies regarding pipeline and generic opportunities, Ebert said.
“Our initial target is generic players wishing to capitalise on the unmet need for dry powder inhalers in emerging markets, but we have also had some interest from players in developed markets, particulary given increasing cost pressures in healthcare systems.”