Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Search research articles

Related Experiment Videos

The challenge of reformulation.

¹Glaxo Research and Development Ltd, Ware, Herts, UK.

Journal of Aerosol Medicine : the Official Journal of the International Society for Aerosols in Medicine

|January 3, 1996

Summary

New hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants are replacing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in metered dose inhalers (MDIs). This transition requires significant formulation and testing changes for safe and effective inhaler products with reduced environmental impact.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

A six-month evaluation of the VivaSight™ video double-lumen endotracheal tube after introduction into thoracic anaesthetic practice at a single institution.

Anaesthesia and intensive care·2017

Same author

Fulminant peripartum cardiomyopathy rescue with extracorporeal membranous oxygenation.

International journal of obstetric anesthesia·2009

Same author

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and the time of death: factors associated with night-time and day-time deaths.

International journal of epidemiology·2006

Same author

Sudden infant death syndrome and sleeping position in pre-term and low birth weight infants: an opportunity for targeted intervention.

Archives of disease in childhood·2005

Same author

Failure of active extension after traumatic cubitus varus. A case report.

The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume·2002

Same author

A barbourin-albumin fusion protein that is slowly cleared in vivo retains the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro.

Thrombosis and haemostasis·2001

Area of Science:

Pharmaceutical Technology
Environmental Science
Materials Science

Background:

Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) currently utilize chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as propellants.
CFCs are being phased out due to environmental concerns, necessitating the development of alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the use of hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants, specifically HFA134a and HFA227, as replacements for CFCs in MDIs.
To address the challenges associated with reformulating and testing MDIs using new HFA propellants.

Main Methods:

Evaluation of the impact of HFA propellants on MDI formulation, including surfactant compatibility.
Development of new elastomeric seals to accommodate the different properties of HFA propellants compared to CFCs.
Implementation of new testing protocols and standards for non-CFC MDIs.

Main Results:

Common surfactants show poor solubility in HFA propellants, requiring formulation adjustments.
The gaseous nature of HFAs at ambient pressure necessitates high-pressure handling systems.
New materials and rigorous testing are essential for MDI performance with HFAs.

Conclusions:

The transition from CFCs to HFAs in MDIs presents significant formulation and engineering challenges.
Development of new MDI products requires careful consideration of propellant properties, material compatibility, and performance testing.
The goal is to provide safe, effective, and environmentally responsible MDI options.

Related Experiment Videos