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GSK files regulatory submission in the EU for a next-generation, lower-carbon version of Ventolin (salbutamol) metered dose inhaler

For media and investors only

4 September 2026

GSK has submitted a regulatory application in the European Union for a next-generation lower-carbon version of its Ventolin (salbutamol) metered dose inhaler (MDI). The submission is supported by positive phase III data showing that the salbutamol MDI formulated with the innovative low carbon propellant HFA-152a was therapeutically equivalent to, and had a comparable safety profile with, the current HFA-134a formulation in the study population assessed.1,2

Salbutamol MDIs are a reliever treatment widely used by patients with asthma or COPD during exacerbations or ‘attacks’ to provide rapid relief of symptoms such as breathlessness. Approximately 300 million salbutamol MDIs are sold globally each year.3,4 Due to the wide use of GSK’s current salbutamol MDI, it accounts for approximately 43% of the company’s total carbon footprint.5

GSK is committed to net zero impact on climate across its full value chain by 2045, made up of a 90% absolute reduction in emissions from a 2020 baseline, and all residual emissions neutralised.5 If approved, this regulatory submission could represent a significant step towards these goals.

Approval would allow healthcare systems to transition patients to the next-generation lower-carbon version of a familiar salbutamol inhaler with comparable efficacy and safety to the current formulation.1 This could potentially reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 92% per inhaler and support efforts to reduce the environmental impact of respiratory care.6

If approved, first launches would be expected in 2027.

References

  1. Weinberg A et al. A32-12 Developing Low-carbon Salbutamol MDI: Assessment of Safety and Tolerability of Salbutamol With Propellant HFA-152a. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2026;212 (S1) S218-219

  2. Moreira S et al. Developing low-carbon salbutamol MDI: assessment of relative bioavailability and pharmacodynamic relative potency of salbutamol MDI with propellant HFA-152a. BMJ Open Respiratory Research. 2026;13:e004036. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjresp-2025-004036

  3. IQVIA; Data on file 2025

  4. MCTOC; 2022 Assessment Report MCTOC-Assessment-Report-2022.pdf (p 16)

  5. GSK Annual Report 2025 p52-53 available at: https://www.gsk.com/media/kn0bknmd/annual-report-2025.pdf Last accessed August 2026.

  6. J. King et al., “ Decarbonising Respiratory Care: The Impact of a Low-Carbon Salbutamol Pressurised Metered-Dose Inhalers,” Allergy 81, no. 7 (2026): 2357–2365, https://doi.org/10.1111/all.70141.