The results of a study exploring the development of salbutamol sulphate pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) using a low global warming potential (GWP) propellant were presented at the 2023 Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference (DDL).
The drive for sustainability across the pharmaceutical industry and the changes in EU legislation are leading to the phasedown and eventual phaseout of HFA propellants used by pressurised metered dose inhaler manufacturers, demand for low-GWP alternatives is urgent. The study in question investigated the use of 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze).
Researchers compared an ethanol-containing and ethanol-free formulation of salbutamol sulphate pMDIs with HFO-1234ze, measuring the aerodynamic particle size distribution, spray pattern, plume geometry, moisture and leak rate for each, with results on performance compared to that of Ventolin.
Tested at the beginning, middle and end of life to provide an accurate analysis of the product life cycle, the pMDI formulation exhibited similarity to Ventolin.
While HFA-152a pharmaceutical grade, a new aerosol propellant ,though still HFC, is with much lower GWP 124, 10times less than HFA-134a pharmaceutical grade. HFA-152a pharma grade is tested to be of a safe propellant for pMDI. Our HFA-152a propellant medicinal grade (1,1-Difluoroethane) is USA FDA DMF listed.
