Chiesi Group and the specialist inhalation CDMO Bespak have announced they are expanding their long-standing partnership through the increase in pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) manufacturing capacity in the UK.
The reinforcement of the "trusted relationship" will support the next phase of Chiesi's Carbon Minimal Inhaler (CMI) programme, with the use of Bespak's Holmes Chapel site in the UK strengthening Chiesi's global supply chain resilience.
In a statement, the pair said that the agreement "reflects a shared long-term vision: delivering lower carbon inhaled therapies through CMIs at scale, without compromising clinical choice or continuity of care for patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)."
Chiesi has said that it is aiming to reach Net Zero targets by 2035 and Bespak has a "validated decarbonisation roadmap" to help it reduce its carbon emissions.
Maria Paola Chiesi, Chiesi Group Vice Chair, said: "At Chiesi, sustainability is not an add-on; it is a commitment that guides our strategic choices."
"We know that inhalers are essential treatments for chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD and that the environmental impact associated with them must be addressed without shifting the burden onto patients."
The partnership with Bespak reinforces our efforts to reduce emissions across the value chain, while protecting access, quality and trust. Climate action and patient care must continue to advance hand in hand.
Chiesi maintains that it is dedicated to meeting the needs of asthma and COPD patients while reducing environmental impact by offering Carbon Minimal Inhalers, including extra-fine dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and next-generation pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs).
Its Carbon Minimal Inhaler (CMI) programme aims to reduce the carbon footprint of pMDIs by up to 90% using a low global warming potential propellant, ensuring therapeutic equivalence and patient familiarity.
Giuseppe Accogli, Chiesi Group CEO, added: "This agreement strengthens an already established partnership with Bespak and is a concrete example of how we translate our ambition into action."
"By working with trusted partners across our value chain, we can deliver sustainable innovation at scale while ensuring that patients receive their needed therapies.”
Chris Hirst, Bespak CEO, said: "Our collaboration with Chiesi has grown [with] time around a shared commitment to patient safety, technical excellence and sustainability."
"By deepening this partnership, we are accelerating the transition to low-carbon pMDIs and reinforcing the UK's role as a centre of excellence for sustainable inhalation manufacturing."
This is a position being recognised by the wider industry, leading to our Holmes Chapel site being selected as a key source of supply by leading brand owners [such as] Chiesi, cementing our role as a strategic supply chain partner.