Authorisation of Chiesi’s next-generation propellant signals a significant step in the pharmaceutical industry’s efforts to decarbonise respiratory medicine.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the world’s first pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDI) using the next-generation, non-PFAS, propellant HFA-152a.
The pMDIs are Chiesi’s Clenil Modulite 100mcg inhaler and Clenil Modulite 200mcg inhaler, containing beclometasone dipropionate for asthma. The authorisation marks a key milestone in the firm’s Net Zero journey.
Ralph Blom, General Manager, Chiesi UK and Ireland said: “Beclometasone (100 mcg and 200 mcg) are the first in Chiesi’s pMDI portfolio to transition to a low-GWP propellant – a significant milestone as we evolve our respiratory portfolio and advance towards our Net Zero by 2035 goal.
“Our focus is on delivering innovation that supports both patients and the planet, reducing environmental impact and supporting NHS decarbonisation goals, while preserving choice, access and flexibility in treatment.”
Beclometasone (100 mcg and 200 mcg) are the first in Chiesi’s pMDI portfolio to transition to a low-GWP propellant – a significant milestone as we evolve our respiratory portfolio and advance towards our Net Zero by 2035 goal”
Ralph Blom, General Manager, Chiesi UK and Ireland
Professor Dave Singh, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester added: “Studies have demonstrated the therapeutic equivalence and tolerability of beclometasone formulated with HFA-152a, versus the existing propellant, HFA-134a.”
This data suggests that transitioning to the next generation propellant will reduce the carbon footprint of their beclometasone products by up to 90 percent compared to that of the current propellant.
In preparation for its transition to low carbon pMDIs, in March Chiesi strengthened its manufacturing capabilities by increasing capacity for pMDIs at Bespak’s facility in Holmes Chapel, UK.
Moreover, in November 2025, Chiesi completed expansion of the La Chaussée-Saint-Victor site in France, the manufacturing hub for this new generation of metered dose inhalers.
Big pharmaceutical company GSK is also striving to get a green inhaler to market. Last October, the firm published data demonstrating the sustainability merit of its salbutamol MDI formulation in the next-generation low carbon propellant.
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