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Designing Sustainable Next Generation Inhalers: Integrating Life Cycle Assessment into Inhaler Product Development

Miles BA, Dean C.

Respiratory Drug Delivery 2021. Volume , 2021: 75-86.

Abstract:

Assessment of the sustainability of pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) has been of interest in the respiratory industry for some time now. Whilst much of the environmental concerns surrounding the use of pMDIs has focused on the propellant and formulation, as this is the most significant contributor to the carbon footprint, very little data have been published on the environmental impact of the device technology itself. It has also been well documented that many pMDI users fail to take the medication correctly, leading to poor adherence. In an effort to improve usability and adherence, the complexity of devices has been gradually increasing. Features such as dose counters, integrated breath actuation mechanisms (BAM) and more recently, digital technologies, have been introduced.

This article highlights the carbon footprint of a range of pMDIs using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, by focusing on the mechanical and electronic components and excluding the propellent and drug formulation. The assessment covers both the materials processing and product manufacturing of the devices (known as a cradle-to-gate assessment). The LCA methodology provides a framework for the systematic evaluation of the impact that product design and manufacturing/sourcing decisions have on the environment for mass produced medical devices such as inhalers. It is a relatively simple process that can be practically implemented into a phased product development to inform and drive more environmentally sustainable decision-making and strategies for future respiratory devices.