Aptar Pharma Strengthens Clinical Trial Services with Strategic Acquisition of Mod3 Pharma’s Manufacturing Capabilities
Aptar Pharma, a global leader in drug delivery and active material science solutions, has announced the acquisition of the clinical trial materials manufacturing capabilities of Mod3 Pharma (formerly known as Enteris Biopharma) from SWK Holdings. This strategic acquisition marks a significant step in enhancing Aptar’s capacity to support early-stage drug development, particularly through expanded formulation, fill and finish services for Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials. It also bolsters the company’s ability to accelerate the adoption of its proprietary drug delivery devices during the crucial early phases of clinical research.
Meeting a Growing Market Demand
The acquisition comes at a time when there is increasing demand for high-quality, flexible manufacturing solutions for clinical trial materials. Aptar’s new capabilities specifically address a gap in the market for agile, Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)-compliant services tailored to early-stage development. These services will primarily support orally inhaled and nasal drug products (OINDPs), but there is strong potential for expansion into other therapeutic categories, including dermal, ophthalmic, injectable, and secondary packaging formats utilizing Aptar’s proprietary Active Material Science technologies.
This move strengthens Aptar Pharma’s integrated service model by connecting device innovation with drug formulation and manufacturing support, offering pharmaceutical clients a streamlined route from early development to clinical testing and beyond.
A Natural Progression of a Successful Partnership
This acquisition builds upon a pre-existing and successful collaboration between Aptar Pharma and Mod3 Pharma. The two companies had already been working closely to serve clients with Phase 1 and 2 cGMP fill-finish services focused on OINDPs. The integration of Mod3 Pharma’s manufacturing infrastructure now formalizes this collaboration and folds it into Aptar’s broader service portfolio, enhancing its value proposition to drug developers and biotech innovators.
Enhanced Infrastructure and Capabilities
As part of the acquisition, Aptar Pharma gains access to a state-of-the-art, FDA-inspected facility located in Boonton, New Jersey. This site is equipped with advanced capabilities that align with Aptar’s strategic goals, including cleanrooms that meet cGMP standards, suites for handling high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), specialized facilities for biologics, and sophisticated fill-finish technologies.
These capabilities will enable Aptar to provide end-to-end support for its clients, starting from early-stage formulation development to the production of clinical trial materials, all while maintaining rigorous quality standards and regulatory compliance.
Leadership Perspectives on the Strategic Move
Commenting on the acquisition, Gael Touya, President of Aptar Pharma, stated:
“Our vision at Aptar Pharma is clear: From formulation to patient. By integrating Phase 1 and 2 clinical manufacturing capabilities, we’re not just expanding our technical footprint — we’re deepening our commitment to customers seeking a seamless and accelerated path to market. This move reinforces our position as a trusted partner from molecule to delivery, and ultimately, to the patient.”
Sai Shankar, President of M&A, Strategy, Business Development, Marketing, and Drug Services at Aptar Pharma, also emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition:
“We’re expanding our niche services to help customers move faster in areas of unmet need, and without duplicating the strengths of our trusted partners. This strategic expansion of our services builds on our legacy in drug dosing and dispensing systems by integrating deeper expertise in drug delivery innovation, product development, and formulation. This enables us to provide more holistic and specialized support for our clients.”
A Shared Vision for Innovation
Dr. Paul Shields, CEO of Mod3 Pharma, shared his enthusiasm about the integration, noting:
The alignment of visions between the two companies underscores the strategic fit of this acquisition. With shared goals of accelerating drug development and enhancing patient outcomes, the integration promises to deliver long-term value to both organizations and their clients.
Broader Implications for the Pharmaceutical Industry
This acquisition marks a continuation of Aptar Pharma’s transformation into a more vertically integrated provider of drug development solutions. With pharmaceutical companies facing increasing pressure to reduce time-to-market while meeting stringent regulatory and quality standards, Aptar’s expanded service offering provides a critical solution. By bundling device technology, formulation expertise, and manufacturing capabilities, the company is uniquely positioned to serve as a comprehensive partner in the drug development journey — from early-stage trials to commercial scale-up.
Furthermore, the deal signals Aptar’s intent to be more than just a device supplier. It reinforces its role as a strategic innovation partner capable of supporting complex drug programs, particularly in challenging delivery formats such as inhalation, biologics, and high-potency compounds.
