The international research-based pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany is to acquire the microtechnology specialist STEAG microParts GmbH from STEAG AG, Essen, Germany.
STEAG microParts' core product is the innovative Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler which was co-developed together with Boehringer Ingelheim. This novel medicinal inhaler, which generates a slow-moving long-lasting soft mist through purely mechanical means, allows for excellent penetration of the lungs. Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler offers all patients with asthma or COPD (chronic-obstructive airways disease) effective medication in precise doses, Boehringer Ingelheim said in a release.
"The acquisition of STEAG microParts fits very well into our production strategy," explained Dr Hans-Jürgen Leuchs, responsible within the Boehringer Ingelheim Board of Managing Directors for production and technology. He said, "We see Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler as the inhalation device of the future; it is to be tested in clinical studies successively with different respiratory products. We thank STEAG microParts for the excellent cooperation in recent years and now look forward to having full control of the entire production chain following the acquisition. In addition, the expertise in development and production at STEAG microParts, especially in microsystem technology, will be an excellent supplement to our development activities in the field of innovative Drug Delivery".
"Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler was launched very successfully in Germany this year in combination with Berodual for the treatment of airways diseases," emphasized Ulrich Pitkamin, president of the Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG. "We are delighted about this business extension which effectively supplements Boehringer Ingelheim`s activities in innovative dosage forms for medicinal products," he concluded.
In 2003, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of 7.4 billion euro while spending more than one fifth of net sales in its largest business segment Prescription Medicines on research and development.
STEAG microParts, established in 1990, is a worldwide leader in microsystem technology with headquarters at the hub of technology in Dortmund, Germany.