Drugmaker Perrigo has forged a new alliance with the British Lung Foundation (BLF) to drive what the company calls “better lung health in the UK”.
The company’s nicotine replacement therapy brand, NiQuitin, will support the BLF with an undisclosed fixed donation. As part of its joint initiative Perrigo will prioritise three things which include:
- providing better information and data on air pollution
- empowering individuals to take action and protect vulnerable people from the harmful effects of unclean air in the UK, and
- encouraging people to take up forms of active transport including physical activity in order to improve their lung health.
Laure de Brauer, marketing director of Perrigo UK and Ireland, said: “NiQuitin is proud to be teaming up with the BLF on this vital air quality work, moving us closer to a future where we can breathe easier with clean air for healthy lungs. This goes one step beyond our current ambition on helping people quit smoking and improve lung capacity by quitting smoking.”
The most recent collaboration has resulted in the the launch of a survey exploring UK adults’ attitudes towards their lung health and the importance of fresh air.
The research found that two in three people who currently smoke are more motivated to cut down or quit altogether as a result of the pandemic.
According to NHS Digital, there’s still 14 per cent smoking prevalence in the UK and around 78,000 people die prematurely from smoking-related illness each year.
NiQuitin aims to contribute to the reductions of these figures by supporting those who are looking to start or continue their ‘quit journey’, while improving clean air together with the BLF for healthier lungs.
The research comes at a time when over half of Brits have been made more aware of their respiratory health as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Sarah Woolnough, BLF’s new chief executive, said: “…The pandemic has highlighted the importance of healthy, resilient lungs and now we must provide the information people need about air pollution, an otherwise invisible killer, to protect themselves and those around them.”
