Flovent HFA (fluticasone propionate HFA) inhalation aerosol will become available in pharmacies from March 1. This new formulation uses a more ozone friendly propellant than CFC, namely hydrofluoroalkane (HFA-134a), and has demonstrated comparable safety and efficacy in clinical trials.
With the introduction of Flovent HFA and the phase-out of the CFC-containing Flovent product, GlaxoSmithKline will successfully complete the transition of its respiratory products to CFC-free formulations. Similar transitions occurred for the bronchodilators Ventolin and Serevent in 2002 and 2003, respectively.
“We are very proud to be the first company in the US to achieve the transition of our asthma and COPD medicines to CFC-free formulations,” said Stan Hull, senior vice-president of GlaxoSmithKline.
Over the past two decades, GlaxoSmithKline has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in its efforts to develop effective alternatives to CFC formulations. These efforts included developing alternative delivery systems, including HFA and dry powder formulations, and modifying manufacturing facilities.