Ozone Depletion
To support the principles of the Montreal Protocol, GlaxoSmithKline
embarked on a comprehensive reformulation programme for all our
metered dose inhalers (MDIs). The company has also invested heavily
in dry powder delivery systems that do not use CFCs. This has been
a long and costly process, with total costs estimated at $1 billion.
As a result of this work GlaxoSmithKline now offers a selection
of alternatives to CFC-containing MDIs in most countries.
Along with our work on MDIs, GlaxoSmithKline is also taking significant
steps to eliminate ozone depleting impact arising from our processes,
products and operations. We have a target to eliminate emissions
of chlorofluorocarbon compounds used in refrigeration and air conditioning
equipment by the end of 2005.
Read about our emissions of ozone
depleting substances.
GlaxoSmithKline takes the issue of ozone depletion seriously and
supports the objectives of the Montreal Protocol. We believe that
governments should now take steps to phase out and close the essential
use exemption for MDIs. In support of this position we will make
no further requests for "essential use" CFC volumes after 2005 and
plan to eliminate the use of CFCs from our product portfolio and
operations by 2010.
Asthma medication and the environment
Asthma is a chronic and life threatening disease that affects 300 million people around the world. Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) are one of the main forms of treatment for asthma. MDIs were first introduced in the 1950s. The MDI is a pocket-sized, hand-held, pressurised multiple dose inhalation system that can deliver a precise dose of medication to the airways when used appropriately. Essential components of an MDI are a canister, the drug substance, a gas to propel the drug into the patient and a device for releasing and directing the dose.
For decades, CFCs were the most suitable propellant for use in MDIs because they are non-toxic, non-reactive, non-flammable, odour and taste free and excellent solvents. However, CFCs have now been recognised as ozone depleting and global warming gases.
GlaxoSmithKline is taking steps to reduce the ozone depleting impact arising from our processes, products and operations by:
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Reformulating the propellant in the MDIs from CFCs to HFC 134a, a non-ozone depleting replacement
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Minimising emissions arising from MDIs rejected during the manufacturing stage in accordance with national standards
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Launching globally the non-CFC MDI as soon as possible after obtaining regulatory approval
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Removing the corresponding CFC product from the market within 6-12 months of launch depending on individual country health practices
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Offering a choice of an MDI or DPI (dry powder inhaler) device for our respiratory drugs
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Continuing to invest in research & development of novel inhaler devices with even lower environmental impacts
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Minimising fugitive emissions of CFCs and other ozone depleting gases from our manufacturing sites through engineering controls and replacing halons (fire fighting gases) and refrigerants
GlaxoSmithKline also takes the issue of climate change seriously and supports the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol. Although some uncertainties remain, we believe that the potential global significance of climate change is too serious to ignore and that, under the precautionary principle, it warrants a measured global response. Even though the HFC 134a MDI propellant is a recognised greenhouse gas, GlaxoSmithKline believes that in the interests of public health, as there is no real alternative for many active ingredients, the small and critically important medical use of HFCs in MDIs deserves special safeguards in international and national climate change strategies.
However, we will continue to pursue options that employ compounds that don't have an adverse impact to the environment. |
