Dataset Information

Survey of US Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Comparison of the New Electronic Interferon Beta-1b Autoinjector (BETACONNECT™) With Mechanical Autoinjectors.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) generally undergo long-term treatment with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). In the US, patients taking glatiramer acetate, interferon beta-1a, or interferon beta-1b, typically use a mechanical autoinjector. Recent survey results have shown that using an electronic autoinjector, such as BETACONNECT™ (Bayer Pharma AG) for interferon beta-1b/Betaseron^® (Bayer Pharma AG) may reduce injection discomfort and increase patient satisfaction with treatment. The aim of the current survey was to assess patient perceptions of BETACONNECT compared with mechanical autoinjectors using a survey integrated with demonstrations and simulated injections with BETACONNECT.

Methods

Patients with MS currently using mechanical autoinjectors for glatiramer acetate/Copaxone^® (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.), interferon beta-1a/Rebif^® (EMD Serono Inc.), or interferon beta-1b/Extavia^® (Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.), participated in a 60-min in-person interview. Patients rated the importance of 18 ideal autoinjector attributes, and the performance of their current autoinjectors across these attributes. BETACONNECT was demonstrated and patients performed simulated injections with BETACONNECT before rating it across the same attributes. Patient overall autoinjector preference was assessed.

Results

Ninety patients completed the survey: 63 were using autoinjectors for Copaxone, 25 for Rebif, and 2 for Extavia. BETACONNECT scored higher than mechanical autoinjectors across all 18 attributes. The top attributes of an ideal autoinjector were the injection process is easy overall, easy to push the button to start the injection, and autoinjector is comfortable to hold during injections. Unique BETACONNECT features most valued by patients were the built-in dwell time, self-check function, greater ability to customize injections, adjustment of injection speed, low injection noise, and automatic needle retraction. Overall, 75 out of 90 patients (83%) expressed a preference for BETACONNECT over their current autoinjector.

Conclusion

BETACONNECT attributes and features were highly rated by patients, compared with both an ideal autoinjector and their current mechanical autoinjectors. These findings suggest that the use of BETACONNECT may increase patient satisfaction and potentially increase overall medication adherence.

Funding

Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.

SUBMITTER: Barone DA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5130914 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:IntroductionMultiple sclerosis (MS) typically requires life-long management with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Many DMTs require regular self-injection, and can be associated with injection site reactions, pain, and needle/injection phobia-but these can be addressed by improvements in autoinjector design. The aim of this study was to investigate patient satisfaction and preference for BETACONNECT™ (Bayer Pharma AG), a novel interferon beta-1b autoinjector.MethodsPatients in Germany performing self-injections using BETACONNECT took part in the study. Data were collected through an online 15-min structured survey. Participants rated their experience with BETACONNECT on a 6-point scale and those satisfied with BETACONNECT were asked to describe the reason using a free-text box.ResultsOne-hundred and eighteen patients with MS completed the survey. Ninety percent preferred BETACONNECT to their previous injection method (only 4% previously used manual injections, so most had previously used other autoinjectors). Ninety-two percent were very confident/confident in their ability to perform an injection using BETACONNECT. The most common free-text responses to "Why are you satisfied with the BETACONNECT™ autoinjector?" were ease of use (46%), less irritation/pain at the injection site (33%), and smoother injections (24%). Features considered most useful were automated injections (98%), adjustable injection speed (98%), and adjustable injection depth (98%). Ninety-seven percent thought it was easy to know when an injection was complete and 95% agreed/strongly agreed it was easy to learn to use the autoinjector. Seventy-three percent agreed that the quietness and effortlessness of the BETACONNECT reduced their level of injection anxiety, 92% that its size and shape makes it easy to handle during injections, and 67% that it decreases injection site pain. Eighty percent of those using the reminder function thought they were less likely to miss an injection.ConclusionPatients with MS self-injecting interferon beta-1b expressed a high level of satisfaction and preference for BETACONNECT. Thus, BETACONNECT represents a valid option to improve patients' overall injection experience.FundingBayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.

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