Roundtable: Evolution of Pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers to Cut Carbon Emissions

Pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) for the relief of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are drawing more attention in sustainability conversations due to their total carbon footprint.

This roundtable meeting gathered some of the leading opinions on this multi-faceted challenge to discuss the challenges we face today and will encounter tomorrow. The topics discussed included the importance to review the lessons learnt from the CFC transition, a review of the current use of pMDIs in the treatment of asthma, the challenges associated with a transition to DPIs and the need for a collaborative approach in their development.  It also recaps the complex regulatory hurdles, challenges faced by formulation scientists, policy makers, and the economics of switching to low GWP propellants. Finally, the panelists reviewed the advantages of lower carbon footprint inhalers and the importance of patient choice and preference, which could ultimately weigh heavily in patients compliance and adherence to their asthma and COPD treatment.