AstraZeneca launches first sustainable inhaler in respiratory medicine

AstraZeneca’s chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) therapy has become the first respiratory medicine to use a next-generation propellant with near-zero global warming potential, marking an important contribution in both respiratory care and environmental sustainability.

The new technology for Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol), a triple-combination inhaler, has been registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and will be available to eligible Australians through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in the coming weeks.

COPD continues to place a substantial burden on Australia’s health system. Around 496,000 (4.8%) Australians aged 45 years and over were estimated to be living with COPD in 2022. In 2023–24, there were 67,700 hospitalisations with a principal diagnosis of COPD among people aged 45 and over, while the disease was the underlying cause of 7,437 deaths in 2023.

Professor Christine Jenkins AM, Program Head of Respiratory at The George Institute for Global Health and a clinician, researcher and international leader in respiratory medicine, said “New technology in respiratory pMDIs enables clinical decisions to focus on patient need and health outcomes, while also supporting the environment. The transition to next-generation, low global warming potential propellant inhalers represents a meaningful innovation that maintains the standard of care patients depend on, while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of treatment.”

Breztri Aerosphere combines budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid, glycopyrronium, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and formoterol, a fast- and long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA). It uses the next-generation propellant HFO-1234ze(E), which was developed and patented by Honeywell. AstraZeneca announced its collaboration with Honeywell in 2022 to develop respiratory inhaled medicines using the innovative propellant.

Dr Marie Guillet, Country President of AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand, said “AstraZeneca is decarbonising its operations and value chain, and investing in reducing GHG emissions across the research, development, manufacture and supply of medicines.”

Inhalers that use pMDI technology have historically relied on hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants, which are potent greenhouse gases and account for the majority of the products’ carbon footprint. While inhalers contribute less than 0.04% of global greenhouse gas emissions, AstraZeneca has committed to becoming carbon negative for all residual emissions by 2030.

“Optimising clinical outcomes and environmental stewardship are not competing priorities but complementary goals in modern respiratory medicine,” added Professor Jenkins.

Mark Brooke, CEO of Lung Foundation Australia, said the transition to a next-generation propellant demonstrates how advances in respiratory care can help reduce environmental impact while continuing to support effective treatment.

“Ultimately, the most valuable inhaler is one that people can use correctly and consistently as part of their overall treatment plan, helping to support better outcomes for those living with COPD,” Brooke stated.

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