Case Study – Aptar Pharma’s Metering Valve in pMDIs

In 1998, GSK reformulated Ventolin® with a more environmentally propellant, leading the industry’s response to the Montreal Protocol with the update of a blockbuster drug that helps millions of patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This case study describes the partnership between Aptar Pharma and GSK that culminated in that product, and that has since delivered multiple orally inhaled products (OINDPs) over subsequent decades. The companies work together to optimize and enhance all aspects of metered dose inhaler device design, development, manufacturing, quality and supply. The services of Aptar’s dedicated Elastomer Center, which continues to refine ultraclean elastomer technologies for effective propellant handling, are critical. The case study illustrates the benefits of partnership when facing major reformulation challenges, such as the industry faces once more as the environmental impact of pressurized metered dose inhalers comes under the spotlight again.