Phillips Medisize Expands Inhalation Drug Delivery Capabilities with Acquisition of Vectura

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Molex, a connectivity solutions provider headquartered in Lisle, Ill., announced in a press release on Sept. 17, 2024 that Phillips Medisize, which Molex acquired in 2016, had entered into an agreement to acquire Vectura Group Limited, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in inhalation drug device design and formulation, based in Chippenham, United Kingdom and a part of Vectura Fertin Pharma, itself a subsidiary of Philip Morris International (1).

In addition to offering pharmaceutical analysis, process development, technical transfer, clinical trial supplies, and regulatory services, Vectura’s expertise in the realm of inhalation includes formulation and device development for dry powder inhalers, pressurized metered dose inhalers, and nasal and nebulizer products for small molecules, as well as biologics, complex combinations, and generic products, according to the press release (1). For its part, Phillips Medisize maintains a staff of more than 6000 who interface with customers at 29 sites across North America, Europe, and Asia, and whose connection to Molex enables access to a plethora of specialty electronics and optical fiber applications.

“The acquisition of Vectura is the latest step in building an industry-leading capability in medical. It also demonstrates Molex’s commitment to acquiring opportunities to better serve market needs across our portfolio,” said Molex CEO Joe Nelligan in the press release. “We are excited by the significant growth potential that comes with a wider range of formulation, device design, combination product development, and manufacturing services to support the increasing need for inhalation therapies. We look forward to welcoming the Vectura team, who brings a celebrated reputation of inhalation expertise and experience.”

The involved parties said they expect the acquisition to close by the end of 2024, pending regulatory approvals and other closing conditions (1).

“Combining the strengths of Phillips Medisize and Vectura will enhance our ability to deliver a broader portfolio of inhalation combination drug devices and solutions to our pharmaceutical customers and support our mission to help people live healthier, more productive lives,” said Paul Chaffin, president of Phillips Medisize, in the press release. “With our global reach, manufacturing scale, and engineering expertise, Phillips Medisize is uniquely positioned to help Vectura in developing innovative new products for their customers, ultimately benefiting people who suffer with chronic and acute diseases such as asthma and COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].”

The formulation of inhalation dosage forms is a topic that will be covered at the upcoming AAPS PharmSci 360 2024, to be held in Salt Lake City, UT, from Oct. 20–23, 2024 (2). Pharmaceutical Technology® recently sat down with Vivek Gupta, PhD, associate dean for graduate education and research, and associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, at St. John’s University to discuss the challenges of formulating such products. A video and partial transcript is available here.

References

1. Phillips Medisize. Molex, A Parent to Phillips Medisize, Announces Agreement to Acquire the Vectura Group Limited, Expanding Its Drug Delivery Capabilities in Inhalation. Press Release. Sept. 17, 2024.
2. Haigney, S. AAPS PharmSci 360 2024: Developing Inhalation Drugs. PharmTech.com, Aug. 21, 2024.