Meet Mark and Giuseppe: working to reduce our carbon footprint

Summary

As rising temperatures and air pollution worsen respiratory diseases like asthma, GSK is addressing the environmental impact of metered dose inhalers, which contribute significantly to carbon emissions. One canister's carbon footprint equals driving 175 miles in a family car. GSK is conducting clinical trials for a new propellant that could reduce emissions by over 90%. With over 50 years in respiratory medicine, GSK aims to innovate not only for patient health but also to minimize environmental harm, demonstrating a commitment to creating a safer, greener planet.

Takeaways

• 🌡️ Rising temperatures and air pollution are worsening respiratory diseases like asthma.
• 🌍 GSK's metered dose inhalers (MDIs) contribute significantly to the company's carbon footprint, accounting for over 50% of emissions from pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
• 🚗 The carbon footprint of a single inhaler can be compared to driving a standard family car for 175 miles.
• 🔬 GSK is conducting clinical trials on a new propellant that could reduce the carbon impact of inhalers by more than 90%.
• 🤝 GSK collaborates with various partners to advance the development and manufacturing of environmentally friendly inhalers.
• 💚 GSK has been dedicated to respiratory medicine for over 50 years, continually seeking ways to improve treatments and reduce environmental impact.
• 👩‍🔬 The speaker, a scientist at GSK, emphasizes the importance of eco-design in the pharmaceutical industry.
• 🏥 GSK's primary goal is to provide patients with the best chance of living a full and normal life.
• 🌱 GSK's initiatives represent a bold ambition to protect the planet while improving health outcomes.
• 🌟 The company's commitment to innovation reflects its dedication to addressing both patient needs and environmental sustainability.

Q & A

What respiratory diseases are mentioned as being exacerbated by rising temperatures and air pollution?

Asthma is specifically mentioned as a respiratory disease worsened by rising temperatures and air pollution.

What is the carbon footprint of metered dose inhalers according to GSK?

Over 50% of GSK's pharmaceuticals and vaccines' carbon footprint is attributed to metered dose inhalers.

How does the carbon impact of a single inhaler canister compare to car travel?

The discharge of a single inhaler canister has a carbon footprint equivalent to driving a standard family car for 175 miles.

What initiative is GSK currently pursuing to reduce the carbon footprint of inhalers?

GSK is conducting clinical trials on a new propellant that, if successful, will reduce the carbon footprint of inhalers by more than 90%.

What stages of development is GSK working through for the new propellant?

GSK is developing the new propellant from initial toxicology studies through to development and initial manufacture.

How long has GSK been involved in respiratory medicine?

GSK has been working in respiratory medicine for over 50 years.

What is the dual focus of GSK's efforts in respiratory medicine?

GSK aims to improve medicines for patients while also reducing the overall environmental impact.

What role does the scientist mentioned in the transcript have at GSK?

The scientist leads eco design initiatives and is proud to contribute to making the planet a safer, greener place.

What is emphasized as the most important part of the scientist's role at GSK?

The most important part is treating patients and giving them the best possible chance of living a full and normal life.

What is the overarching ambition of GSK as mentioned in the transcript?

GSK is continually innovating with bold ambitions to protect the planet and improve health.