Drug delivery specialist with a site in Lancashire goes independent in $650m deal

Clitheroe-based 3M Drug Delivery Systems has now launched as an independent company called Kindeva Drug Delivery.

Kindeva has manufacturing operations in Clitheroe in a 51,500 sqft facility which specializes in pilot, small and large size drug delivery devices, among other capabilities.

It employs 94 people but is now hoping to grown that number after the deal.

It specialises in microneedle technology to deliver medication into the patients via the skin.

The business formerly known as 3M Drug Delivery Systems, was acquired by acquisition by Altaris Capital Partners. However, US conglomerate 3M will retian a 15 per cent share in the new business which also has bases in Loughborough and the US.

Kindeva-developed and manufactured therapies treat patients battling a host of debilitating and chronic diseases, including respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular conditions.

The company’s microneedle-based drug delivery platforms are currently being used in dozens of development programs, including programs for osteoporosis, immunotherapies, COVID-19 vaccines, and other difficult-to-deliver therapies.

Aaron Mann, CEO of Kindeva Drug Delivery said: “Kindeva brings deep expertise to the unique challenges of developing combination products and complex drugs, including those that are playing an important role in the fight against COVID-19.

"Over the years, 3M has built a differentiated platform of drug delivery technologies and I look forward to the opportunities ahead for Kindeva as an independent company in partnership with Altaris. We will be executing an ambitious growth plan.”