HFA 152a

An HFA-152a pMDI (200 actuations) has a carbon footprint more than 90% less than that of an equivalent HFA-134a MDI. The global warming potential (GWP) of HFA-152a has been calculated at 138.6 compared to 1,300 for 134a and 3,350 for 227ea.

Extensive inhalation safety testing of  HFA 152a began in 2015 and is expected to be completed in early 2022. Results of tests conducted so far have shown that HFA 152a has a similar safety profile to HFA-134a.

While 152a is flammable, quantitative risk assessment (QRA) studies have shown that it is unlikely to affect the ability of patients to use 152a pMDIs safely.  Manufacturers will likely need to refit production and filling facilities in order to minimize any hazard due to the flammability of the propellant.

Yes, HFA 152a appears to be compatible with current pMDI valve materials. In addition, a theoretical model has demonstrated that the expected spray force of HFA-152a is similar to that of HFA 134a and 227ea propellants.

Small quantities of HFA 152a are available for research purposes. A new HFA 152a pilot plant which will be able to produce several hundred tonnes of propellant is expected to come online by the end of 2021.

A HFA 152a toxicology DMF will be available for use in product submissions after completion of the safety program, which is expected to take place in 2022.  A separate HFA 152a manufacturing and quality DMF will also be available.

Initially, a pMDI using 152a will most likely cost about the same as a 134a device. In the future, 152a will almost certainly be less expensive than 134a due to likely taxes imposed on higher global warming potential (GWP) propellants such as 134a and 227 and lower availability as manufacturers turn to greener options such as 152a.

In the future, 152a itself will almost certainly be less expensive than 134a. It’s increasingly likely that the environmental regulators in Europe will look at the upcoming 2022 F-gas regulation review as a chance to reevaluate the regulatory status of 134a and 227, which today have special status that protects them from the impact of F-gas regulation. That means that market pressure in the form of price increases due to taxation or market access for the higher GWP gases will come into play.