UK Regulator Approves Lower-Carbon Asthma Inhalers: New Propellant Reduces Environmental Impact

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved new versions of Clenil Modulite inhalers that use a next-generation propellant called HFA-152a. These are the first pressurised metered-dose inhalers authorised with this lower-carbon propellant, designed to reduce the environmental footprint of asthma treatment while keeping the same active ingredient, beclometasone dipropionate. The inhalers are used for maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children. The MHRA says the new formulations perform comparably to current products in terms of quality, safety, and clinical benefit. They are expected to be available in the UK later this year. This approval marks a practical step in decarbonising healthcare by targeting the carbon impact of medical devices. Inhalers have a notable carbon footprint due to traditional propellants, so switching to a lower-carbon alternative could meaningfully reduce emissions from respiratory care without changing patient outcomes.