NEW REG Publication

Respiratory Effectiveness Group Position Statement: Inhaler Choice: Balancing Personalized Health Care and Environmental Responsibility

We are delighted to share our latest publication, “Respiratory Effectiveness Group Position Statement: Inhaler Choice: Balancing Personalized Health Care and Environmental Responsibility”, now available in the Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery.

Inhaled medications are essential for managing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Delivery systems include dry powder inhalers (DPIs), pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), soft mist inhalers, and nebulizers. There are currently international efforts to phase down propellants with high global warming potential (GWP), with some governments and societies recommending a switch from pMDIs due to their GWP.

REG conducted a global survey of 468 healthcare professionals (HCPs) and 270 asthma/COPD patients across 39 countries to understand prioritisation of factors in inhaler device selection. Findings revealed that both HCPs and patients prioritise clinical considerations over environmental concerns, emphasising the need to tailor inhaler selection to individual patient needs and promote informed treatment decisions while transitioning to eco-friendly inhaler options.

While REG advocates for environmental responsibility, inhaler choice should be personalised, balancing patient needs and environmental concerns. REG strongly opposes the switching of inhalers for nonmedical reasons without considering the possible clinical consequences of a mismatch between inhaler characteristics and the patient's preferences.

https://doi.org/10.1089/jamp.2024.0060