AptarGroup, Inc., a global leader in consumer dispensing, active packaging and drug delivery solutions, announced today that it has acquired Noble International, a leader in drug delivery training devices and patient onboarding. This acquisition furthers Aptar’s strategy to broaden its portfolio of services that support pharmaceutical and biotech customers through all stages of their drug development journey.

The proper administration of certain medications can be challenging, especially when patients are required to administer the medication themselves. With the movement of treatments from the healthcare provider to the home, the need to ensure accurate, consistent and safe use of the device becomes a critical component of the effectiveness of the treatment.

Noble’s purpose is to improve patient experiences and outcomes by developing patient-centric advanced drug delivery system training devices – including autoinjectors, prefilled syringes, on-body and respiratory devices – for the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies and original equipment manufacturers. Noble has also developed a connected solution for injectable devices, which senses and monitors how a patient interacts with the specific steps of drug delivery and can wirelessly transmit real-time data.

Human behaviors and user experiences are critical elements of Noble’s proprietary training device design process. Combined with patient onboarding programs, Noble’s training devices - which mimic the feel, force and function of the actual drug delivery device - are designed to reduce error and increase device familiarity, both of which are keys to helping patients improve adherence and, ultimately, health outcomes.

Stephan Tanda, Aptar President and CEO, stated, “We are pleased to welcome the Noble team to the Aptar family. This strategic acquisition meets our disciplined approach of acquiring companies with strong positions in attractive markets, proprietary technologies and robust growth fundamentals. The combination of Noble and Aptar will bring additional value to our pharmaceutical customers as they seek to put more life-changing treatments into the hands of empowered patients. Together, we will work toward the ultimate goal of improving patient experiences and health outcomes.”

Noble, founded in 1994 and located in Orlando, Florida, employs 45 people at its state-of-the art training device design headquarters.

“Joining Aptar is an important step in our mission to support the healthcare community’s effort to improve patient outcomes through innovation, education and patient access,” said Jeff Baker, Noble CEO. “It is exciting to know that by leveraging the breadth of Aptar’s portfolio and global network, we will now reach more pharmaceutical partners, healthcare professionals, caregivers and, ultimately, patients.”

“We look forward to working with Noble’s leadership and team of innovators as we continue to improve the patient onboarding process,” comments Gael Touya, President of Aptar Pharma. “This acquisition, which expands our services offerings in Injectables and Respiratory, continues our strategy of building services associated with our device portfolio and speaks to our unwavering commitment to helping patients improve adherence.”