Highlights

  • GSK’s next-generation Ventolin MDI shows therapeutic equivalence to current inhaler formulation.
  • The low-carbon propellant HFA-152a reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 92% per inhaler.
  • Phase III data confirm the new Ventolin MDI has a comparable safety profile.

GSK plc (LSE:GSK) announced positive Phase III data from its clinical programme for a next-generation version of its metered dose inhaler (MDI), Ventolin (salbutamol). The study demonstrated that the salbutamol MDI containing the innovative low-carbon propellant HFA-152a has therapeutic equivalence and a comparable safety profile to the current MDI formulation using HFA-134a.

The findings support upcoming regulatory submissions, with the next-generation inhaler expected to launch from 2026. The development represents a step toward providing a more environmentally sustainable option for patients with respiratory conditions.

Global Use and Impact

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect nearly half a billion people worldwide. Around 300 million salbutamol MDIs are sold globally every year. Salbutamol MDIs are used during exacerbations to relieve sudden respiratory symptoms, including breathlessness.

Kaivan Khavandi, SVP, Global Head, Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation R&D, GSK, said: "Healthy air is essential for healthy lungs, and our next-generation salbutamol has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 92% per inhaler. Almost six decades after its first development, this medicine remains highly valued by patients and healthcare professionals and is a key component of our respiratory portfolio. Today, we are one step closer to a reliever MDI that we believe will continue to help patients for many decades to come."

Currently, GSK’s salbutamol MDI accounts for nearly 45% of the company’s total global carbon footprint due to its high volume of use. To address this, GSK has integrated cutting-edge propellant technology and advanced manufacturing processes for the next-generation inhaler.

Expert Perspective

Prof. Ashley Woodcock, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, commented: "While low carbon alternatives already exist, such as dry powder and soft mist inhalers, we know that many patients worldwide with both asthma and COPD prefer a salbutamol MDI to relieve their symptoms. These data should enable patients to use their preferred inhaler choice. This is a crucial advance to help global healthcare systems meet their climate targets at the same time as optimising the care of patients."

Inhaled Medicines Overview

Inhaled medicines are delivered to the lungs through devices such as MDIs and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). MDIs require a propellant to release the medicine, whereas DPIs are propellant-free, leading to a lower carbon impact. The low-carbon propellant HFA-152a in GSK’s next-generation Ventolin MDI aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Share performance

The company is currently trading at GBX 1,648.50 per share, slightly up by 0.18% from its previous close of GBX 1645.50.