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First pressurized metered-dose inhaler containing Orbia's next-generation propellant receives regulatory approval
Press Release
Announcement
Solutions
28 July 2026
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U.K. approves the first pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) formulated with Zephex® 152a, marking a worldwide milestone in the transition to low-global warming potential (GWP) respiratory therapies.
Orbia and its Fluor & Energy Materials (F&EM) business welcome the approval by the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of Chiesi's Clenil Modulite (beclomethasone; 100 mcg and 200 mcg) inhaler formulated with Orbia F&EM’s next-generation, low-GWP propellant1.
This approval marks the first use of medical-grade HFA-152a, commercially known as Zephex® 152a, in a pMDI. The carbon footprint of this propellant is reduced by approximately 90% versus that of the current propellant, HFA-134a and is not classified as a PFAS2,3.
The transition to low-GWP propellants can make a meaningful contribution toward the National Health Service’s (NHS) goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 20404. Globally, pMDI use is increasing and accounts for approximately 70% of the prescribed doses used to treat asthma and COPD, representing more than 43 billion doses annually5. The approval is an important milestone in the pharmaceutical industry’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of respiratory therapies while maintaining continuity of care for patients by preserving device choice.
Markus Laubscher, Head of Orbia F&EM’s Pharma Business Unit, said, “For more than three decades Orbia has supported the respiratory pharmaceutical industry, from the first transition in the 1990s which saw the industry move from CFCs to HFAs, to today. This MHRA approval is an important milestone as we continue on that journey. By combining Orbia’s (F&EM) technical expertise and investment in this low-GWP propellant with Chiesi’s leadership in respiratory care, we are helping enable a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of pMDIs while preserving device choice for patients.”
The shift from the world’s most widely used propellant, HFA-134a to low-GWP alternatives6 is heavily underpinned by widespread investment across the pharmaceutical supply chain7-10. Orbia F&EM is expanding its production capacity to meet forecasted global demand of its Zephex® low-GWP propellant through the construction of a large-scale manufacturing facility in Runcorn, U.K., scheduled for completion by the end of 20268,9. CDMO, Bespak, also recently announced investment in their pMDI manufacturing facility in the U.K. alongside selection as a source of supply by Chiesi, helping to strengthen supply chain resilience in the delivery of low-GWP pMDIs7. These investments, amongst others, further strengthen the U.K.’s position as a global hub for the development and manufacture of next-generation, low-GWP pMDIs7,10.
References
- Chiesi Marks Significant Step in its Net Zero Journey with MHRA Approval of its First Pressurised Metered-Dose Inhalers Containing a Next-Generation, Low GWP Propellant [online] www.chiesi.uk.com/media/press-releases/2026-07-21-clenil-mhra-approval [Last Accessed July 2026].
- Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials: Zephex 152a – Low-global warming potential medical propellant [online] Available at: www.orbia-fem.com/pharma/products/zephex-152a [Last Accessed July 2026].
- Per and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) [online] www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/risk-management-risk-reduction-and-sustainable-chemistry/per-and-poly-fluorinated-chemicals.html [Last Accessed July 2026].
- NHS England. Respiratory Carbon Reduction Dashboard. [online] Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/whats-already-happening/improving-health-outcomes-for-respiratory-patients-while-reducing-carbon-emissions/. [Last Accessed July 2026].
- Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer - Progress Report [May 2026] Available at: TEAP-May2026-Progress-Report-vol1.pdf [Last Accessed July 2026].
- Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials: Zephex 152a – The low-GWP medical propellant transition [online] Available at: www.orbia-fem.com/pharma/the-low-gwp-propellant-transition [Last Accessed July 2026].
- Chiesi and Bespak partner to advance Carbon Minimal Inhaler production with UK manufacturing site [online]. Available at:Chiesi and Bespak partner to advance Carbon Minimal Inhaler [Last Accessed July 2026].
- Orbia celebrates 30 years, advances in pMDI sustainability. [online] Available at www.manufacturingchemist.com/orbia-pmdi-sustainability-30-year-anniversary [Last Accessed July 2026].
- Orbia announces planned expansion of HFA-152a manufacturing capacity. [online] Available at: www.oindpnews.com/2024/12/orbia-announces-planned-expansion-of-hfa-152a-manufacturing-capacity/ [Last Accessed July 2026].
- Holmes Chapel company’s expansion plans will create 150 jobs. [online] Available at: www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/25486086.holmes-chapel-companys-expansion-plans-will-create-150-jobs/ (Last accessed: July 2026).
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