GSK announced positive late-stage trial results for a new, low-carbon version of its widely used Ventolin asthma inhaler.
The Phase III study showed the new formulation, which uses a more environmentally friendly propellant, is as effective and safe as the current version, the company said on Wednesday.
If approved, the next-generation inhaler has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 92% per device, according to the company.
The current salbutamol metered dose inhaler accounts for nearly half of GSK's total carbon footprint, with approximately 300 million units sold globally each year.
"Healthy air is essential for healthy lungs, and our next-generation salbutamol has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 92% per inhaler," said Kaivan Khavandi, a senior vice president at GSK.
The British drugmaker said it will now proceed with regulatory submissions based on the findings, with a launch expected to begin in 2026.
The development is part of a broader industry effort to reduce the environmental impact of metered dose inhalers, which use gases to propel medicine into the lungs.
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