Propeller raises $20m and prepares to extend reach beyond digital inhalers

Digital therapeutics company Propeller Health and drug-delivery device-maker Aptar Pharma are teaming up, yet again, to develop an array of connected drug-delivery devices.

The pair has worked together in the past – in 2016, the companies launched the world’s first fully-integrated connected metered dose inhaler.

Now, they hope to create a platform of digital therapeutics, including inhaled, injectable, nasal and dermal drug-delivery systems. The companies didn’t elaborate on the specifics, but the partnership represents a step outside of Propeller’s traditional focus on respiratory disease.

“Propeller draws on nearly a decade of experience pioneering digital respiratory medicines and putting them to work in healthcare organizations around the world,” co-founder & CEO David Van Sickle said in prepared remarks. “We’re excited to expand our relationship with Aptar and apply our expertise to new diseases. Our end-to-end infrastructure enables fast, flexible and secure development and commercialization of digital medicines.”

“Aptar Pharma has been providing innovative drug delivery systems for nearly 50 years, helping billions of patients around the world. Today, we are excited to broaden our offerings as we continue this journey towards improved patient care and clinical outcomes by growing our partnership with Propeller Health, the leader in their field of digital therapeutics,” Salim Haffar, president of Aptar Pharma, added.

According to the terms of the deal, Propeller and Aptar plan to co-market the platform of connected devices. Propeller is responsible for managing digital services and Aptar will manage device development, manufacturing and supply chain.

On top of the expanded partnership, Aptar contributed $10 million to Propeller’s $20 million financing round. Other investors included Safeguard Scientifics, 3M Ventures and Hikma.

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