Responding to challenges in developing lower global warming potential pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs)

This article describes legislative and commercial drivers for propellant change and potential propellants, as well as the Respitab® technology platform, which provides a novel approach to formulation and manufacturing of lower global warning potential (GWP) pMDIs. Studies are presented and manufacturing and considerations for its use are discussed.

There is a clear need for alternatives to the current reliever pMDIs that are both affordable and have a lower global warning potential (GWP). An option for the near-term is to reformulate salbutamol with HFC 152a using Respitab®, a tablet formulation approach that has potential for advantages over conventional filling technologies. Not only might this reduce manufacturing risks, it could provide an opportunity to mitigate the risk of future price increases of HFCs 134a and 227ea and thereby may help ensure continuity of affordable care.