Research: Automatic Injectors

Wray S, Armstrong R, Herrman C, Calkwood J, Cascione M, Watsky E, Hayward B, Mercer B, Dangond F. Results from the single-use autoinjector for self-administration of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MOSAIC) study. Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2011 Oct 27. [Epub]

Background:
Patients with
multiple sclerosis
(MS) often receive long-term injectable therapy, and difficulties associated with self-injection can affect adherence to treatment and as a result the efficacy of treatment.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate an investigational, ready-to-use, single-use autoinjector for self-injection of subcutaneous (sc) interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a).

Methods: In this multicenter, open-label, single-arm study, patients with relapsing MS who were receiving IFNβ-1a sc 44 μg three times weekly for ≥ 12 weeks continued therapy using a single-use autoinjector and completed a user trial questionnaire at baseline and weeks 6 and 12. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients rating the autoinjector as easy or very easy to use at week 12.

Results: At 12 weeks, 86% of 109 patients included in the intent-to-treat population rated the autoinjector easy or very easy to use (95% confidence interval, 80% - 93%), and the most important perceived benefit was its overall convenience. The majority (74%) of patients reported the device as somewhat or extremely convenient to use, and most (83%) agreed or strongly agreed that the device made injections simple.

Conclusion: The single-use autoinjector was well received and supported by favorable ratings for simplified injections and convenience. The results suggest that the device may improve overall injection experience in patients with relapsing MS.

"I think this is a bit late in development considering orals are here as a treatment option and the interferons have been on the market for years."