AstraZeneca is currently putting its new sustainable inhaler through clinical trials in order to determine its market suitability and safety. The inhaler is based on Honeywell's 'HFO-1234ze' propellant, which allows the inhaler to use far fewer greenhouse gasses. Most inhalers provided to patients use a small portion of greenhouse gasses in the propellant in order to effectively deliver medicine. These emissions add up quickly, leading to AstraZeneca looking into far more sustainable alternatives.
The current culmination of this research is an inhaler that uses glycopyrronium, budesonide, and formoterol fumarate. The preliminary testing showed that these inhalers were very similar in efficacy in reducing symptoms in adults when compared to traditional inhalers while also boasting a 99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This innovation is part of AstraZeneca's commitment to becoming carbon-neutral across its global operations by 2025.
Low-Emission Clinical Inhalers
AstraZeneca's HFO-1234ze-Based Inhaler Produces 99% Less Emissions
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Inhalers - The development of sustainable inhalers with low greenhouse gas emissions can disrupt the healthcare industry by meeting consumer demand for eco-friendly products.
2. Green Propellants - The use of green propellants like HFO-1234ze can disrupt the pharmaceutical industry by reducing the environmental impact of inhaler production and use.
3. Carbon-neutral Commitments - The trend toward carbon-neutral commitments like AstraZeneca's can disrupt the healthcare industry by incentivizing companies to prioritize sustainability and innovate accordingly.
Industry Implications
1. Pharmaceuticals - The pharmaceutical industry has an opportunity to reduce its environmental footprint by developing and utilizing green propellants in their inhaler products.
2. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can promote eco-friendly solutions to meet growing consumer demand for sustainable products, like the low-emission inhalers being developed by AstraZeneca.
3. Environmental Services - Environmental services companies can capitalize on the demand for sustainable products in the healthcare industry by providing eco-friendly solutions and consultation services.