Welcome to our Web Page!
We are a group of companies committed to meeting the treatment needs
of patients who suffer from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD). IPAC represents leading manufacturers of metered-dose
inhalers (MDIs), which are widely accepted as one of the most successful
delivery methods for medicines which treat respiratory disease. IPAC
member companies are now in the forefront of developing a new class
of MDIs for respiratory medicines.
The MDI is the mainstay
of successful treatment of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
After its introduction in the 1950's, the metered-dose inhaler revolutionized
the treatment of asthma and COPD. MDIs are pocket-sized devices
with propellants which deliver medicine rapidly to the lungs of
the patient. Because no other inhalation system provides the same
range of benefits, the MDI is the most popular delivery system among
inhaled therapies. Over 70 million patients worldwide rely on the
device.
Our companies are now
reformulating MDIs to replace CFC propellants with ozone-friendly
alternatives. While the propellants are being changed, the medicines
are the same. We've been focusing our efforts and devoting significant
resources to the development of CFC-free MDIs. Companies around
the world are testing inhalers which contain ozone-friendly propellants.
These new propellants have been found to be safe for patients.
This hard work and investment
are now being rewarded. CFC-free MDIs containing asthma medicines
have been introduced in many countries around the world, including
in the United States and the European Union. Other CFC-free MDIs
are awaiting regulatory approval to be marketed and will be introduced
within the next several years. This movement away from CFCs will
benefit the ozone layer.
By our membership in
IPAC, we are demonstrating our commitment to be part of a responsible
transition to CFC-free inhalers. We intend to replace CFC MDIs as
smoothly as possible, so that patients who rely on MDIs will be
able to do so with complete confidence both now and in the future.
We believe that a successful transition will be one in which:
- every patient continues
to receive effective treatment;
- pharmaceutical companies
actively pursue the development and introduction of safe and effective
CFC-free MDIs;
- governments promptly
approve new product applications and encourage the switch to
CFC-free MDIs; and
- patients and their
health care providers reinvigorate their relationship by discussing
new treatment options and the transition to CFC-free MDIs.
IPAC will search for
constructive ways to achieve these goals through partnerships with
patients, health care professionals, and regulators involved in
this transition. Ensuring patient care and improving treatment options
for patients is our number one goal during this process.
1500 K Street, NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005-1209
USA
Telefax: +1 202 842 8465
Email: comments@ipacmdi.com
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