Thirty-five million patients with respiratory conditions around the world rely on this inhaler as their rescue medication. However, it accounts for close to half (49%) of GSK’s carbon footprint, as well as contributing to the carbon footprint of global health systems. Significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the propellant in the inhaler is a key milestone in the company’s pathway to net zero.
GSK is investing in a R&D programme to redevelop the inhaler by transitioning to a lower carbon propellant. The next-generation propellant, which has been under technical development for several years, has been tested extensively to ensure suitability for MDIs and patient use. Recent data from early clinical trials has supported the decision to progress to phase III and dosing of first patients is planned in the first half of 2024. If successful, regulatory submissions will begin in 2025.
GSK Chief Executive Officer, Emma Walmsley, said, “As countries work to decarbonise their health systems, companies have an important role to play – and addressing the carbon emissions from inhalers is a key part of this. Harnessing our deep respiratory expertise, we have developed an innovative low carbon inhaler and I am delighted that we are now progressing this programme into Phase III trials. If successful this could lead to regulatory submissions in 2025, supporting the health of asthma and COPD patients and making a significant positive impact on our transition to a more environmentally sustainable future.”
The development of this low carbon inhaler is complex and involves clinical and non-clinical programmes, as well as establishing new manufacturing facilities. "We recently confirmed our plan to invest in our Evreux site to manufacture the inhaler, so that we are ready to start supply quickly, should clinical trials and regulatory processes be successful. Evreux is a key GSK site in France – it is driving sustainability as part of the site strategy and has strong expertise in respiratory inhaler manufacturing," the Company said in a release.
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