Reducing carbon footprint by switching to reusable soft-mist inhalers

Abstract

ObjectiveInhalation therapy is the cornerstone of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, together with non-pharmacological treatments. Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs), alone or in combination with long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), are commonly used. Pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), and soft mist inhalers (SMIs) are used, each with different carbon footprints. This study aimed to assess the carbon footprint of hypothetically replacing LAMA or LAMA/LABA inhalers with an SMI, Respimat Reusable, within the same therapeutic class.MethodsAn environmental impact model was established to assess the change in carbon footprint of replacing pMDIs/DPIs with Respimat Reusable within the same therapeutic class (LAMA or LAMA/LABA), across 12 European countries and the United States over 5 years. Inhaler use for country and disease-specific populations was derived from international prescribing data and the associated carbon footprint (CO2equivalents) were identified from published sources.ResultsOver 5 years and across all countries, replacing LAMA inhalers with Spiriva Respimat Reusable reduced CO2e emissions by 13.3–50.9%, saving 93–6228 tonnes of CO2e in the different countries studied. Replacing LAMA/LABA inhalers with Spiolto Respimat Reusable reduced CO2e emissions by 9.5–92.6%, saving 31–50 843 tonnes of CO2e. In scenario analyses, which included total replacement of DPIs/pMDIs, consistent CO2e savings were estimated. Sensitivity analyses showed that results were sensitive to changes in several parameters including varying assumptions around re-usability of inhalers and potential CO2e impact.ConclusionReplacement of pMDIs and DPIs with Respimat Reusable within the same therapeutic class, would result in substantial reductions in CO2e emissions.