Aptar Pharma Files New Patents and Reveals Preclinical Advances in Intranasal and Pulmonary GLP-1 Delivery

Aptar Pharma, a global leader in drug delivery and dosing technologies, has disclosed the publication of three new international patent applications focused on enabling inhaled and nasal delivery of GLP-1-based therapies. These patent filings stem from an internal strategic research and development program designed to broaden Aptar Pharma’s capabilities in biologics delivery and to strengthen its intellectual property position within high-growth therapeutic sectors.

The pulmonary and respiratory delivery landscape is evolving beyond traditional uses such as allergy and asthma treatments, with increasing interest in systemic drug delivery through these routes. The newly published patent applications describe innovative formulation approaches for GLP-1 drug substances, including spray-dried and powder processing technologies tailored to support nasal and pulmonary administration.

Preclinical pharmacokinetic (PK) studies conducted on both liquid and powder formulations of semaglutide demonstrated up to a tenfold increase in systemic peak blood concentration (Cmax) compared to equivalent oral doses in preclinical models. These results provide preclinical proof-of-concept for Aptar Pharma’s formulation and device-enabled approaches in the challenging arena of peptide delivery. It is important to note that these approaches remain investigational and have not yet received approval for clinical or commercial use.

The publication of these patents underscores Aptar Pharma’s sustained investment in advanced drug delivery solutions and expands its intellectual property portfolio in aerosolized biologics. The development efforts were carried out across Aptar Pharma Services teams located in the United Kingdom, United States, and France. These teams leveraged their expertise in formulation science, analytical characterization, and device compatibility for orally inhaled and nasal drug products (OINDPs).

This GLP-1 program is closely aligned with Aptar Pharma’s broader biologics compatibility initiative, which systematically evaluates interactions between complex biologic molecules—such as nucleic acids and proteins—and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems with Aptar Pharma’s nasal and pulmonary delivery platforms. This assessment spans a variety of formulations and delivery formats.

Aptar Pharma anticipates presenting additional data at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals throughout 2026 and 2027, contingent upon the completion of ongoing research and adherence to publication timelines.

Collectively, these initiatives highlight Aptar Pharma’s differentiated capability to support pharmaceutical companies developing biologics through an integrated, end-to-end services model. This model encompasses early feasibility studies, intellectual property generation, and extends through preclinical and clinical development activities.

Alex Theodorakis, President of Aptar Pharma Prescription, stated, “These patent publications reflect Aptar Pharma’s long-term commitment to addressing some of the most challenging delivery problems in the specialized field of intranasal and pulmonary delivery, including biologics and peptide-based therapies.”

Sai Shankar, President of M&A, Strategy, Business Development, Marketing & Drug Services at Aptar Pharma, added, “By combining formulation and analytical innovation with proven device technologies, we are creating further opportunities for our pharmaceutical partners to accelerate their development programs with Aptar Pharma.”

As demand grows for alternative, patient-friendly delivery routes for biologics such as GLP-1 therapies, Aptar Pharma is uniquely positioned to support innovators with scientific expertise, established delivery platforms, and global infrastructure. This support spans the entire product lifecycle from early feasibility through development and commercialization.