- Kindeva expands Loughborough operations to support commercialization of low GWP MDI products
- New facility addresses industry transition from traditional inhaler propellants amid phase out of HFAs in favor of low-GWP propellants
Kindeva Drug Delivery has officially opened its expanded metered-dose inhaler (MDI) manufacturing facility at Charnwood Campus in Loughborough, marking an investment in sustainable inhalation therapy manufacturing as the industry transitions toward environmentally-friendly propellants. PharmaSource attended the opening ceremony, which featured a comprehensive facility tour showcasing the new analytical capabilities.
The expansion relocates approximately 50 quality control employees to the 150,000 sq ft site and establishes a dedicated commercial analytical laboratory to support the production of inhalers using low-GWP propellants. The investment includes a second manufacturing line designed for sustainable formulations.
“The opening of our Loughborough Headquarters marks a significant milestone in Kindeva’s growth strategy as we continue to innovate, scale, and expand our global footprint.”
Milton Boyer, CEO, Kindeva
Sustainability drives the facility’s core mission. “Research estimates that inhalers contribute to 0.03% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, and represent 3% of the U.K. National Health Service (NHS) carbon footprint,” Milton explains.
“Investment in our Loughborough site, new technologies and people, will allow Kindeva to become the leading force in the industry for sustainability and assuring supply continuity as the industry transitions to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) propellents.”
Milton Boyer, CEO, Kindeva
He emphasizes that the facility’s sustainability drive balances environmental concerns with ensuring continued patient access to essential medicines. “The propellants that are used in our inhalers are the same ones that are used in industrial HVAC refrigeration, and they’re migrating to these new propellants,” he explains. “If we don’t move, we won’t be able to deliver the drugs to patients because traditional propellants won’t be available.”
The pharmaceutical industry faces a supply challenge because it represents only a small fraction of the global propellant market, while household, personal care, and industrial applications account for the majority share. When industrial manufacturers transition to new alternatives, drug companies must follow or risk losing access to essential components. Kindeva brings relevant experience to this challenge through its 3M heritage—formed when 3M sold its Drug Delivery Systems business to Altaris in 2020, Kindeva inherited the legacy of the company that invented the metered dose inhaler and successfully managed the industry’s transition from CFC to HFA propellants in the 1990s.
UK Investment
The timing of the UK investment comes as other global pharma companies scale back operations in the region, but Milton emphasizes the decision stems from technical expertise rather than market conditions. “The legacy that was here and the partnerships we have, it makes sense for this to be here.” During the facility tour, the company demonstrated its expanded analytical capabilities, including the relocated quality control operations that will support the new sustainable propellant manufacturing lines.
Loughborough MP Jeevun Sandher praised Kindeva’s continued commitment to the area and emphasized the facility’s role in ensuring patient access to critical medicines. The opening ceremony also included a tree planting with the Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood, Councillor David Northage and Jenny Northage.
