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GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced positive phase III data from its clinical programme to develop a next-generation version of its metered dose inhaler (MDI), Ventolin (salbutamol). Data confirm that the formulation of salbutamol MDI containing an innovative low carbon propellant HFA-152a shows therapeutic equivalence and is comparable in safety to salbutamol MDI containing the current propellant, HFA-134a.

The findings will support regulatory submissions for the next-generation version, with launch expected from 2026, an important advance to bringing a more sustainable option to patients with respiratory disease.

Nearly half a billion people are affected by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) around the world⁴ and approximately 300 million salbutamol MDIs are sold globally every year^1,2. Used during an exacerbation, or “attack”, salbutamol in an MDI can help by immediately treating a sudden onset of respiratory symptoms, such as breathlessness.

Kaivan Khavandi, SVP, Global Head, Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation R&D, GSK, said: “Healthy air is essential for healthy lungs, and our next-generation salbutamol has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 92%³ per inhaler. Almost six decades after its first development, this medicine remains highly valued by patients and healthcare professionals and is a key component of our respiratory portfolio. Today, we are one step closer to a reliever MDI that we believe will continue to help patients for many decades to come.”

Due to the scale of volume and worldwide use, GSK’s salbutamol MDI currently accounts for close to half (45%)⁵ of the company’s total global carbon footprint. GSK has partnered to use cutting-edge propellant technologies to develop a next-generation low-carbon version and has added advanced manufacturing technologies to support launch of this inhaler.

Prof. Ashley Woodcock, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, said: “While low carbon alternatives already exist, such as dry powder and soft mist inhalers, we know that many patients worldwide with both asthma and COPD prefer a salbutamol MDI to relieve their symptoms. These data should enable patients to use their preferred inhaler choice. This is a crucial advance to help global healthcare systems meet their climate targets at the same time as optimising the care of patients.”

About inhaled medicines

Inhaled medicines are administered to the lungs using an inhaler device. There are two main types of devices, metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry power inhalers (DPIs). All MDIs use a propellant to administer the medicine from the inhaler into the patient’s lungs. DPIs are propellant free, as the medicine is administered by the patients breathing in the powder, and therefore have a lower carbon impact compared to MDIs still using high global warming potential (GWP) propellants.