Essential use of CFCs
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
FDA seeks public comment on plans to withdraw "essential-use" status for albuterol metered-dose inhalers (MDI) with chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellant. Two non-CFC albuterol MDIs are now available - GlaxoSmithKline's Ventolin HFA and Schering-Plough's Proventil HFA. CFCs were banned under 1987 protocol, due to evidence they deplete Earth's ozone layer. Albuterol CFC MDIs were exempted because there was no accepted alternative for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Comments are due August 9, 2004...