Abstract
Background:
All established disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis require parenteral administration, which can cause difficulties for some patients, sometimes leading to suboptimal adherence. A new electronic autoinjection device has been designed to address these issues.
Methods:
Patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis currently receiving subcutaneous or intramuscular interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b, or glatiramer acetate completed an online questionnaire (July 4–25, 2008) that surveyed current injection practices, experiences with current injection methods, and impressions and appeal of the new device.
Results:
In total, 422 patients completed the survey, of whom 44% used autoinjectors, 43% prefilled syringes, and 13% syringes and vials; overall, 66% currently self-injected. Physical and psychological barriers to self-injection included difficulty with injections, needle phobia, and concerns over correct injection technique. Only 40% of respondents were “very satisfied” with their current injection method. The new electronic autoinjector was rated as “very appealing” by 65% of patients. The benefits of the new device included the ability to customize injection settings and to review dosing history.
Conclusion:
New technologies may help patients overcome physical and psychological barriers to self-injection. The combination of a reliable and flexible autoinjection device with dose-monitoring technology may improve communication between health care professionals and patients, and improve treatment adherence.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Double Helix Development for data collection and analysis. The authors also thank Adam McGechan for ACUMED (supported by Merck Serono S.A. – Geneva, Switzerland) for assisting the authors with preparation of the first draft and Reza Sayeed for Caudex Medical (supported by Merck Serono S.A. – Geneva, Switzerland) for collation of comments and revisions from the authors and for the preparation of subsequent drafts.
Disclosure
This study was supported by Merck Serono S.A. – Geneva, Switzerland, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. All authors are salaried employees of Merck Serono S.A. – Geneva, Switzerland.