MHRA Approves World’s First Lower-Carbon Asthma Inhalers

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the world’s first lower-carbon pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) using a next-generation propellant, marking a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of asthma treatment.

The approval covers new versions of Clenil Modulite 100 micrograms and Clenil Modulite 200 micrograms, which contain beclometasone dipropionate for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children. The medicines use the new HFA-152a propellant, replacing conventional propellants with an alternative designed to have a substantially lower environmental impact while delivering the same established treatment.

The MHRA said the propellant itself is not the medicine. Instead, it is the gas that delivers the medication from the inhaler into the lungs. Clinical assessment concluded that the new versions maintain the same quality, safety and effectiveness as the existing products.

The new inhalers are expected to become available across the UK later in 2026. Until then, current versions of Clenil Modulite will remain available for patients, and no changes to treatment should be made unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Pressurised metered-dose inhalers are widely used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. Because they contain propellants with greenhouse gas emissions, reducing their carbon footprint has become an important part of wider NHS and UK healthcare sustainability ambitions. The approval represents another milestone in the development of medicines that aim to maintain clinical effectiveness while supporting environmental goals.

The Daily Round will continue to report on innovations that support both high-quality patient care and the sustainability of health and care services.

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