MHRA approves first lower-carbon beclometasone inhalers for asthma
pharmafile | July 24, 2026 | News story | Research and Development |Â Â MHRA, asthma, inhaler, lower carbonÂ
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the world’s first pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) to use a next-generation lower-carbon propellant for the maintenance treatment of asthma. The new versions of Clenil Modulite 100 micrograms and 200 micrograms inhalers will become available in the UK later this year.
Manufactured by Chiesi, the inhalers contain the corticosteroid beclometasone dipropionate and use the new HFA-152a propellant. While the propellant has changed, the active ingredient, recommended doses and therapeutic indications remain unchanged.
The MHRA said evidence submitted as part of the approval demonstrated that the reformulated inhalers perform comparably to the currently authorised products while maintaining the same standards of quality, safety and clinical benefit.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Beclometasone inhalers are used regularly to reduce airway inflammation and help prevent asthma symptoms and exacerbations.
Julian Beach, Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access at the MHRA, said: “This approval marks the world’s first authorisation of an inhaler using the next-generation propellant HFA-152a. It demonstrates how innovation can support both patient care and environmental sustainability while maintaining the high standards of quality, safety and effectiveness patients expect.”
He added that the regulator would continue to monitor the medicine’s safety and effectiveness following approval.
The existing formulations of Clenil Modulite will remain available while the new inhalers are introduced later in 2026.
Patients are advised to continue using their prescribed inhalers unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional. As with all medicines, suspected adverse reactions can be reported through the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
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