Lupin Limited, a leading name in the Indian and global pharmaceutical landscape, has announced a strategic move aimed at transforming the respiratory care sector. In a major breakthrough for sustainable healthcare, the company is set to become the first Indian pharmaceutical firm to integrate Honeywell’s Solstice® Air (HFO-1234ze cGMP) propellant in its pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs). This collaboration with Honeywell marks a critical step in Lupin’s mission to reduce environmental impact while delivering cutting-edge treatments for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

The announcement was made on May 20, 2025, and reflects Lupin’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Solstice Air, a next-generation nonflammable propellant, boasts a near-zero global warming potential (GWP) and could help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 99.9% compared to traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) propellants currently used in inhalers.

Why Solstice Air Matters for Pharma and the Planet

Honeywell’s Solstice Air is an advanced hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) technology designed to replace conventional HFCs such as HFA-134a and HFA-227ea, which are known to have high global warming potentials. Used in pMDIs to deliver medication to the lungs, these conventional propellants contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, especially when considered at global scale.

The use of HFO-1234ze cGMP significantly reduces this environmental burden. According to studies cited by UNEP and the American Lung Association, switching to low-GWP alternatives can play a pivotal role in climate action without compromising on treatment efficacy or safety.

Lupin's adoption of Solstice Air technology, therefore, signifies not just an advancement in drug delivery systems, but also a pioneering effort towards achieving carbon neutrality in the pharma manufacturing and delivery ecosystem.

Lupin’s Vision: Sustainability with Patient-Centric Care

Vinita Gupta, CEO of Lupin, said,

“Lupin’s partnership with Honeywell underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality medicines while working towards a healthier, more sustainable future for our patients and communities worldwide. By integrating Solstice Air in our products, we are not only enhancing patient care, but also significantly reducing environmental impact.”

This clearly highlights the company’s dual focus on patient outcomes and environmental responsibility—a rare but much-needed combination in today’s world. The integration of Solstice Air does not alter the medicinal formulation or therapeutic benefits of the inhaler; instead, it enhances the environmental profile of the product while maintaining or improving performance.

Honeywell’s Role in Advancing Sustainable Health Solutions

Jeff Dormo, President in Honeywell’s Energy and Sustainability Solutions division, added,

“Solstice Air can play a critical role in ensuring that Lupin life-saving devices provide safe and effective treatment options that also leverage the latest advancements in technology to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.”

Honeywell, through its Solstice line of sustainable refrigerants and propellants, has been at the forefront of the global transition away from high-GWP substances. Its technologies are now helping transform various sectors, including aerospace, industrial automation, energy, and healthcare. With this partnership, Honeywell enters deep into Indian pharmaceutical infrastructure, offering a scalable and sustainable solution to a major public health sector.

Potential Benefits of the Lupin-Honeywell Collaboration

1. Massive Reduction in Carbon Footprint:
   By eliminating high-GWP propellants, Lupin’s future line of inhalers can contribute significantly to India’s climate goals, particularly its commitment under the Paris Agreement.

2. Leadership in Green Pharma Technology:
   Being the first company in India to adopt this technology at scale, Lupin is likely to set a benchmark for other pharma companies aiming to make their operations more sustainable.

3. Continued Focus on Innovation and R&D:
   This step aligns with Lupin’s strategic emphasis on R&D and complex generics. It is investing in green innovation while ensuring patients receive the most effective treatments available.

4. Compliance with Global Regulatory Shifts:
   Regulatory agencies globally, including the EU and US FDA, are increasingly supportive of low-GWP alternatives in drug products. Lupin’s early move ensures future regulatory alignment and market readiness.

5. Enhanced Brand Equity and Global Reputation:
   As climate-consciousness becomes a key purchasing driver, pharma companies with credible green credentials are likely to gain consumer trust, stakeholder support, and investor interest.

Challenges and Next Steps

While the announcement is significant, Lupin has clarified that the terms of the deal are still under negotiation, and execution of definitive documents will be necessary for finalisation. Nevertheless, the intent and direction are clear—Lupin is moving forward on a path of green transformation.

Key next steps will include:

• Finalising documentation with Honeywell

• Initiating pilot production of pMDIs with Solstice Air

• Clinical trials and regulatory filing (if required)

• Market launch in India and globally

• Measuring impact on carbon footprint and patient outcomes post-launch

Broader Implications for the Indian Pharma Industry

India’s pharmaceutical sector is globally recognised, particularly for its scale in generic drug production. However, it has also been flagged for high levels of environmental emissions, especially in bulk drug manufacturing and formulation packaging. Lupin’s move may spur other industry leaders like Sun Pharma, Cipla, and Dr. Reddy’s to explore similar green propellant alternatives or introduce sustainability benchmarks in other aspects of manufacturing and supply chain.

Moreover, regulators like the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) may introduce guidelines or incentives for environmentally sustainable practices. This could create a robust framework for eco-innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.

About Lupin

Lupin Limited is a Mumbai-headquartered global pharmaceutical giant that operates across over 100 markets worldwide. The company has a diversified portfolio encompassing branded and generic formulations, biosimilars, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). With 15 manufacturing sites and 7 research centres, and a team of over 23,000 professionals, Lupin is at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation in India and abroad.

In addition to its core offerings, Lupin also operates through subsidiaries like Lupin Diagnostics, Lupin Digital Health, and Lupin Manufacturing Solutions, further enhancing its reach in integrated healthcare solutions.

About Honeywell

Honeywell is a global conglomerate known for pioneering technologies across aviation, automation, building infrastructure, and sustainability. Its Solstice® technology suite represents a culmination of decades of research aimed at reducing carbon emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.

By collaborating with Lupin, Honeywell further strengthens its footprint in healthcare, offering low-emission solutions that do not compromise performance.

In conclusion, Lupin’s decision to integrate Solstice Air marks a historic turning point in the Indian pharmaceutical industry’s journey towards sustainability. It proves that innovation in drug delivery need not come at the cost of environmental responsibility. As this partnership progresses, it will be watched closely by regulators, investors, and patients alike—each of whom stands to benefit from greener, safer, and more effective respiratory treatments

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