Aptar Pharma acquires PULMOTREE to add Kolibri non‑propellant liquid inhaler
- Aptar Pharma acquired Munich-based PULMOTREE to accelerate development, industrialization and commercialization of the Kolibri™ Non‑Propellant Liquid Inhaler (NPLI) platform.
- Kolibri™ uses a breath‑triggered vibrating‑mesh aerosolization engine with breath‑guidance and connectivity to enhance targeted lung deposition and enable treatment monitoring.
- The NPLI platform is positioned to support delivery of complex molecules, including biologics, as an alternative to propellant‑based systems.
- Aptar will combine Kolibri™ with its formulation, device, regulatory, manufacturing and patient‑support capabilities, leveraging Nanopharm, Noble and Aptar Digital Health.
Acquisition and strategic intent
Aptar Pharma announced the acquisition of PULMOTREE, a Munich‑based life science company focused on pulmonary drug delivery systems, to accelerate development, industrialization and commercialization of the Kolibri™ Non‑Propellant Liquid Inhaler (NPLI) platform. The move is intended to expand Aptar Pharma’s respiratory portfolio and growth opportunities in pulmonary drug delivery.
Kolibri technology
Kolibri™ is a non‑propellant liquid inhaler that employs a breath‑triggered vibrating‑mesh aerosolization engine with integrated breath‑guidance. The design aims to improve targeted lung deposition and includes connectivity features for treatment monitoring, patient engagement and generation of real‑world therapy insights.
Integration and customer offering
Aptar plans to combine Kolibri™ with its formulation, device development, regulatory, manufacturing and patient‑support capabilities to provide a development‑to‑commercialization pathway. The company cites the ability to leverage Nanopharm’s formulation and analytical expertise, Noble’s human factors and onboarding support, and Aptar Digital Health’s services.
Partnership background
Aptar had an exclusive collaboration with PULMOTREE established in 2024 and had worked with the company for the prior two years to allow pharmaceutical partners hands‑on evaluation of the Kolibri™ platform. PULMOTREE’s leadership framed the acquisition as continuity of the technology backed by a global organization.
Source: Aptar