Posting on behalf of Dr. Chris Moreton, FinnBrit Consulting
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is proposing a total ban on PFAs (per- and poly-fluoroalkanes) (https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/perfluoroalkyl-chemicals-pfas). The currently used propellants in metered dose inhalers (MDIs) fall into this category of chemicals. At the present time, it is not known if there will be any derogations for medicinal products. Should these propellants be banned, there are currently no safe alternatives. Other possible propellants are flammable and represent a considerable risk in use. The alternative dry powder inhalators (DPIs) are not suitable for all patients, particularly for small children and geriatric patients. While the ban is being proposed for Europe, given the global nature of the pharmaceutical industry, it is likely that such a ban would have global implications for the supply of these vital medicines. Due to the extent of the proposed ban, there are also other potential implications of the ban on PFAs, which could affect the drug supply in many ways.
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Sudip Das, MPharm, PhD
Distinguished Faculty, Butler University
Professor of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery
4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208-3485
E-mail:
[email protected]Webpage:
https://research.butler.edu/nanomedicine/LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/sudipkdasDisclaimer: Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer.
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