Aptar Pharma, a provider of drug delivery, dosing, protection technologies and services and part of AptarGroup Inc (NYSE:ATR), announced on Monday that it has partnered with Aceso Therapeutics, a biotech developing novel therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF), to advance ACT-101, an antisense oligonucleotide candidate designed to target the underlying disease mechanisms of CF.

Under the collaboration, Nanopharm, Aptar Pharma's inhalation development services business, will lead formulation development and device assessment activities supporting Aceso's clinical development plans for ACT-101.

The programme expands Aptar Pharma's upstream capabilities in inhaled biologic development and complements its broader biologics compatibility programme evaluating nucleic acids, peptides, proteins and nanoparticle-based delivery systems across pulmonary and nasal platforms.

Cystic fibrosis is a rare inherited disease affecting approximately 100,000 people worldwide and can cause severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs.