Phillips Medisize parent company Molex announced today that it completed its acquisition of Vectura from a subsidiary of cigarette maker Philip Morris.
The company says adding Vectura enables it to offer a wider range of formulation, device design, combination product development and manufacturing services. It acquires Vectura’s proprietary technology and combination product development expertise in dry powder inhalers (DPI). That includes the lever operated multi-dose inhaler (LOMI) and Gyrohaler platforms, plus metered dose inhalers (MDI). It also adds nasal inhalers and nebulizers to the portfolio.
Vectura also offers pharmaceutical analysis, process development, technical transfer, clinical trial supplies and regulatory services. These capabilities enhance pharmaceutical R&D services and expands Phillips Medisize’s capabilities in inhalation drug delivery.
Philip Morris paid $1.2 billion for UK-based Vectura in 2021 as part of its “Beyond Nicotine” effort to phase out cigarettes and develop and commercialize better and less harmful alternatives to smoking. The tobacco giant faced backlash from the American Lung Association for its attempted moves into inhaled therapies.
Dr. Geraldine Venthoye, who has been appointed chief scientific officer and VP for the Phillips Medisize Medical business, said in a news release that the Vectura team is “excited about the opportunities and scale of Phillips Medisize.”
“Phillips Medisize will continue to expand the services we offer pharmaceutical companies thanks to the acquisition of Vectura, particularly in inhalation, to help meet growing patient needs,” said Paul Chaffin, president of Phillips Medisize. “Together Phillips Medisize and Vectura are uniquely positioned to collaborate with leading pharmaceutical customers to develop innovative products that address the growing global demand for new therapies to treat chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, as well as non-respiratory conditions.”
