On September 5, a ceremony in Tehran marked the occasion as Iran officially phased out CFC-based metered dose inhalers (MDIs) in accordance with the Montreal Protocol, becoming the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so. The event, attended by government officials, clinicians, and representatives of international organizations, celebrated the closing of Sina Darou Laboratories’ CFC-based MDI manufacturing facility.
Sidi Si Ahmed, Director of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s Montreal Protocol branch commented: “a transition from CFC to non-CFC inhalers is extremely challenging for all actors as the supply of medication has to be maintained at a level which guarantees patients’ health, but at the same time, new products have to be prepared for the market in order to ensure a smooth transition without any market distortion.”
Mohammadi Zadeh, VP and head of the Iranian Department of Environment acknowledged Sina Darou’s efforts: “The support of the industry that manufactures metered dose inhalers is a crucial part of the Government’s effort to eliminate CFCs. It is important for us to recognize Sina Darou for their leadership in phasing out CFCs and for being a cheering example for other companies that still depend on ozone-depleting substances.”
Sina Darou is a privately held company established in 1962 in Tehran. The company specializes in inhalation aerosols but also manufactures a number of other dosage forms, including nasal sprays.
Read a United Nations press release.
