GSK foresees supply shortage of asthma inhaler Ventolin Nebule 2.5mg

GlaxoSmithKline has announced an upcoming supply shortage of Ventolin Nebule 2.5 mg (salbutamol sulfate) inhalers, which are used to treat asthma.

On Tuesday, GSK reported the expected shortage to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). Ventolin Nebule is used to treat severe acute asthma (treatment of persistent asthma) and chronic bronchospasm that does not respond to standard therapies.

Ventolin Nebule should be administered only by an appropriate inhaler or nebulizer under the direction of a physician and should not be taken or injected.

GSK attributed the Ventolin Nebule 2.5 mg shortage to the shutdown of its Boronia manufacturing site in Australia, the original source of Ventolin Nebule. This shutdown resulted in stockpiling the necessary quantities until products from the new site became available. However, increased domestic demand and delays in the supply schedule following a change in the license for the new site accelerated the depletion of stockpiles, the company added.

According to GSK, the company’s Ventolin Inhalation Solution, which has the same composition, indication, and route of administration as Ventolin Nebule, is available as an alternative.

Ventolin Inhalation Solution requires dilution in normal saline, which may cause some inconvenience for patients and caregivers. However, it has the same ingredients and indications and can be used as an alternative for all ages.

In the case of Ventolin Inhalation Solution as a substitute for Ventolin Nebule, a similar product—Salbutol Inhalation Solution—from Dai Han Pharm is available. Considering its existing market share, this product is expected to replace some of the shortage of Ventolin Nebule.

The Ventolin Nebule 2.5 mg supply shortage is expected to begin on Aug. 1.

“Ventolin Inhalation Solution is also in global shortage, and additional quantities are difficult to obtain,” GSK said. “We are in close discussions with the relevant societies about alternatives in the event of a shortage of both Ventolin Nebule and Ventolin Inhalation Solution to avoid disruption in the event of a shortage of all salbutamol substances.”

It continued, “We are working hard to expedite the licensing and supply timelines for the new manufacturing site. As soon as the new site is ready, we will work on expedited transportation and urgent testing to restore supplies as quickly as possible.”