MUNICH, Germany — October 26, 2026
Aptar Pharma, a global provider of drug delivery, dosing and protection technologies, announced the strategic acquisition of PULMOTREE, a Munich-based life science company specialising in pulmonary drug delivery systems. The acquisition is expected to accelerate the development, industrialisation and commercialisation of PULMOTREE’s Kolibri™ Non-Propellant Liquid Inhaler (NPLI) platform and expand Aptar Pharma’s respiratory drug delivery portfolio. The technology is designed to deliver liquid medications to the lungs without relying on propellants and has potential applications in the delivery of complex molecules, including biologic therapies. The transaction builds on an exclusive collaboration agreement established between the companies in 2024 and follows approximately two years of collaboration that enabled pharmaceutical partners to evaluate the platform. Aptar Pharma expects the acquisition to strengthen its ability to support customers throughout the drug development lifecycle, combining inhaler technology with formulation development, device engineering, regulatory expertise, manufacturing and patient-support services. The move reflects growing industry interest in differentiated inhalation technologies capable of supporting the development of more complex respiratory treatments.
Kolibri™ Platform Offers Differentiated Non-Propellant Inhalation Technology
PULMOTREE’s Kolibri™ platform uses a breath-triggered vibrating mesh aerosolisation system designed to generate an inhaled mist and support targeted delivery of medication to the lungs. Its breath-guidance capabilities are intended to help optimise aerosol delivery, while the non-propellant design offers an alternative to conventional propellant-based inhalers. Non-propellant liquid inhalation technologies include nebulisers and soft-mist inhalers, which can provide options for formulations and medicines that may require different delivery approaches. Kolibri™ is designed to support the administration of complex molecules, including biologics, an area of interest as pharmaceutical developers explore pulmonary delivery beyond traditional small-molecule respiratory medicines. The platform also incorporates connectivity features intended to support treatment monitoring, patient engagement and the collection of real-world therapy insights. These capabilities could help pharmaceutical partners investigate ways to improve treatment administration and understand patient use. However, the potential clinical benefits and suitability of the technology will depend on the specific drug formulation, device performance and clinical evaluation for each intended application.
Aptar’s Integrated Capabilities Support Development and Commercialization
Aptar Pharma plans to combine Kolibri™ with its established capabilities in formulation development, device design, regulatory support, manufacturing and commercialisation. The broader Aptar organisation includes Nanopharm, which provides formulation development and analytical expertise; Noble, which supports human factors, patient onboarding and training; and Aptar Digital Health, which offers digital health services. Together, these resources are intended to help pharmaceutical partners optimise formulations, refine device usability and support patients as therapies progress from development towards potential market launch. Aptar Pharma President and CEO Gael Touya said the acquisition broadens the company’s respiratory drug delivery portfolio and creates opportunities to support increasingly complex inhaled treatments, including biologics. Jonathan Mulpas, Director of Business Development for Aptar Pharma’s Pulmonary Category, highlighted the interest generated through the companies’ prior collaboration and the platform’s patient-focused design. The integrated model may also enable customers to access multiple development and support services through one partner, potentially simplifying coordination across different stages of pharmaceutical product development.
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Strategic Acquisition Builds on Collaboration and Long-Term Growth Plans
The acquisition represents the next stage of the relationship between Aptar Pharma and PULMOTREE following their exclusive collaboration agreement in 2024 to develop and promote the Kolibri™ platform. PULMOTREE CEO Ulf Krüger said joining Aptar is a natural progression of the companies’ established partnership and is intended to provide customers with continuity supported by the resources and reach of a global organisation. Aptar Pharma intends to use its regulatory, manufacturing and commercial expertise to establish a pathway for pharmaceutical partners from early development and clinical evaluation towards potential commercial launch. The acquisition is also expected to deepen customer relationships and create additional opportunities across the pulmonary drug development lifecycle. As drug developers explore new approaches for delivering biologics and other complex medicines, platforms that combine aerosol generation, device engineering and connected monitoring may become increasingly relevant. The commercial and clinical impact of Kolibri™ will depend on future development, pharmaceutical partnerships and the requirements of individual medicines. Through the acquisition, Aptar Pharma aims to expand its position in respiratory drug delivery and create new opportunities for long-term growth.
Source:Aptar Pharma Press release
