3M and MicroDose Technologies Inc. team up to bring advanced electronic dry powder inhaler to market

Jul 20 2004

3M and MicroDose Technologies Inc., a privately held drug delivery company based in Monmouth Junction, N.J., announced today that the two companies have entered into an exclusive co-development and joint marketing agreement.

The collaboration will combine MicroDose's leading edge dry powder inhaler technology with 3M's global inhalation product development, formulation development (particle engineering and powder handling), and manufacturing capabilities. As part of the deal, 3M has invested $5 million for a minority equity position in MicroDose.

"Collaborating with MicroDose and its strong technology platform in dry powder inhalation will significantly enhance 3M Drug Delivery Systems Division's capability to provide partner pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with innovative drug delivery solutions. We are excited to add to the unique breadth and depth of technology that 3M is able to deliver to our customers," said John Sampson, division vice president, 3M Drug Delivery Systems Division. He added, "As we considered potential partners offering next generation technologies, MicroDose clearly stood out with a proven, customer-focused approach that enables flexibility to meet customer requirements with inhalation technology that is truly revolutionary."

The MicroDose Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) is among a number of key proprietary technology platforms developed by MicroDose. The MicroDose DPI is a handheld, low-cost, breath-activated device that utilizes piezo electronics to efficiently deliver a broad range of compounds. Such compounds include small or large molecule therapeutics for both local and systemic applications. The device promises to be the first completely electronic DPI on the market and represents the next generation in inhaler technology both in performance and ease of use for patients.

Commenting on the transaction, Anand Gumaste, president and chief executive officer, MicroDose, said, "Through this collaboration, MicroDose is able to offer the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries a fully integrated inhalation product development and manufacturing capability. We are pleased to be partnering with 3M to make this happen."

Scott Fleming, senior vice president of marketing, MicroDose, added "By combining our innovative inhaler technology platform with 3M's proven leadership in health care products and strong brand, we will create a dynamic partnership providing unique inhalation product solutions for an expanded market."

MicroDose and 3M currently are seeking business alliances with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies interested in the pulmonary delivery of their molecules.