The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the world's first lower-carbon beclometasone inhalers for patients with asthma.

The MHRA has approved new versions of Clenil Modulite 100 micrograms inhaler and Clenil Modulite 200 micrograms inhaler, containing beclometasone dipropionate for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children.

This is the world's first authorisation of pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDI) using the next-generation propellant HFA-152a.

No changes have been made to the active ingredient, recommended doses or therapeutic indications

They will be available in the UK later this year.

Julian Beach, MHRA Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said: “Keeping patients safe and enabling their access to high-quality, safe and effective medicines are key priorities for us.

“Asthma inhalers play a vital role in helping millions of patients manage their condition and maintain their quality of life.

“This approval marks the world’s first authorisation of an inhaler using the next-generation propellant HFA-152a. It demonstrates how innovation can support both patient care and environmental sustainability while maintaining the high standards of quality, safety and effectiveness patients expect.

“As with all medicines, we will continue to monitor its safety and effectiveness closely.”