As reported by the National Health Executive, the UK has become the first country to approve asthma inhalers using a next-generation propellant, marking a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of respiratory care without changing established treatment
Announced on 21 July 2026, the decision by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) covers updated versions of the Clenil Modulite 100 micrograms and 200 micrograms inhalers, both used to manage asthma in adults and children.
Although the inhalers contain a new propellant, HFA-152a, the medicine itself remains unchanged. The products continue to deliver beclometasone dipropionate, an inhaled corticosteroid that helps control airway inflammation, prevent asthma symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
The approval is the first anywhere in the world for pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) using HFA-152a. While the propellant does not treat asthma directly, it is the mechanism that carries the medication into the lungs during inhalation.
The new inhalers are expected to become available across the UK later this year. In the meantime, patients should continue using their current Clenil Modulite inhalers, with no changes to prescribing or treatment required.
For clinicians and patients, the transition is expected to be straightforward, as the active ingredient, licensed uses and recommended dosing remain exactly the same despite the introduction of the new propellant.
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