-Aptar Pharma, a global leader in drug delivery, dosing, protection technologies and services, today announced a collaboration with Aceso Therapeutics, a biotech developing novel therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF), a rare genetic disease, to advance the development of ACT-101, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) candidate designed to target the underlying disease mechanisms of CF.

The program will be supported by Nanopharm, Aptar Pharma's specialist inhalation development services business, which will lead formulation development and device assessment activities to support Aceso's clinical development roadmap for ACT-101.

Cystic fibrosis is a rare, inherited disease that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs and affects approximately 100,000 people worldwide.¹

Gemma Budd, General Manager of Nanopharm, an Aptar Pharma company, said, "Cystic fibrosis remains a devastating disease with significant unmet need. Partnering with Aceso Therapeutics enables us to apply our formulation and inhalation science expertise to an innovative oligonucleotide asset. We are proud to contribute our expertise to this early-stage development program."

Thomas Tran, CEO and Co-Founder of Aceso Therapeutics, said, "By partnering with Nanopharm, Aceso Therapeutics aims to accelerate the development of ACT-101 towards clinical evaluation, exploring its potential through direct delivery to the lung. Nanopharm's proven track record in inhaled and nasal drug product development, combined with the wider scientific depth within Aptar Pharma, gives us confidence as we continue to advance our ASO platform. This collaboration marks an important milestone for Aceso and for the continued development of potential new approaches for cystic fibrosis."

The development activities being carried out by Nanopharm under the collaboration between Aptar Pharma and Aceso Therapeutics complement Aptar Pharma's broader biologics compatibility program, which is systematically evaluating how complex biologic molecules - including nucleic acids, peptides and proteins, and their associated nanoparticle-based delivery systems - interact with Aptar Pharma's pulmonary and nasal delivery platforms across a range of formulations and delivery formats. Together, these initiatives underscore the group's commitment to enabling the next generation of inhaled biologic medicines, from early feasibility through clinical development.