Vectura

Vectura Group plc

Company type	Public
Industry	Pharmaceuticals
Founded	1997
Founder	David G. Farquharson
Headquarters	Chippenham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Key people	Bruno Angelici (Chairman), James Ward-Lilley (CEO)
Products	Inhaled medicines, drug delivery technologies
Revenue	£178.3 million (2020)
Operating income	£15.9 million (2020)
Net income	£8.9 million (2020)
Number of employees	450 (2020)
Website	www.vectura.com

Vectura Group plc is a British pharmaceutical company that specializes in the development of inhaled medicines and drug delivery technologies. Founded in 1997, Vectura has established itself as a leader in the field of respiratory medicine, focusing on the treatment of diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions.

History

Vectura was founded by David G. Farquharson in 1997, initially focusing on the development of drug delivery systems. Over the years, the company expanded its expertise to include the development of inhaled therapies, leveraging its proprietary technologies to enhance the delivery and efficacy of medications.

In 2004, Vectura was listed on the London Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone in its growth. The company has since engaged in numerous collaborations and partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies to develop and commercialize its products.

Technologies

Vectura's core technologies include:

• Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs): Vectura has developed several DPI platforms that enable the efficient delivery of powdered medications to the lungs. These inhalers are designed to be user-friendly and provide consistent dosing.

• Pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs): The company also works on pMDI technologies, which are commonly used for delivering aerosolized medications.

• Smart Nebulizers: Vectura's smart nebulizer technology allows for the precise delivery of liquid medications, optimizing the treatment of respiratory diseases.

Products

Vectura has developed a range of products, including:

• Flutiform: A combination inhaler containing fluticasone and formoterol, used for the treatment of asthma.
• Budesonide/Formoterol: A generic version of a combination inhaler for asthma and COPD.

Research and Development

Vectura invests significantly in research and development to advance its pipeline of inhaled therapies. The company collaborates with academic institutions and industry partners to explore new therapeutic areas and improve existing treatments.

Acquisition

In 2021, Vectura was acquired by Philip Morris International, a move that sparked controversy due to the tobacco company's involvement in the healthcare sector. The acquisition aimed to leverage Vectura's expertise in inhalation technology for potential applications beyond traditional pharmaceuticals.

Also see

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Drug delivery
• Inhaler
• Pharmaceutical industry