The pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has transformed nearly every industry, and respiratory pharmaceuticals is no exception.

Pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) have long relied on hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants like HFA-134a to deliver the active medicine directly to the patient’s lungs. They are valued for their safety, reliability, and proven track record in supporting asthma and COPD patients.

However, medical aerosols like HFA-134a and HFA-227ea contribute to the healthcare sector’s carbon footprint. For example, in the UK, propellants used in inhalers account for around 3% of the NHS’s total emissions.

With environmental targets becoming more of a focus globally, and propellant-free options like dry powder inhalers (DPIs) unsuitable for approximately 30% of patients, the development of lower global warming potential (GWP) propellant alternatives is essential for the future of respiratory care.

At Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials, we have successfully developed a viable propellant alternative in HFA-152a. With a GWP of 124 (100-year timescale relative to CO2), it offers a dramatic reduction in climate impact by at least 90%, depending on the replaced propellant.