title: A new electronic device for subcutaneous injection of IFN-β-1a.
abstract: Disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) can provide important benefits for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but nonadherence to treatment is associated with an increased risk of relapse. All first-line DMDs used in MS require regular injection, but injection-related problems are common barriers to treatment adherence. Autoinjectors that allow automatic injection at the press of a button have increased the ease and convenience of injection, compared with manual injection. A new electronic autoinjector has recently been introduced for the administration of subcutaneous IFN-β-1a. This device is the first electronic autoinjector for use with any MS therapy, and includes several innovative features that may be advantageous to patients. One of these features is an accurate electronic dosing log, which can be viewed by the patient and the healthcare provider. This article discusses this new electronic device in the context of other autoinjectors currently used to self-inject first-line DMDs in MS.
authors: Merck Serono S.A.-Geneva*, 9 chemin des Mines, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland. simon.exell@merckserono.net
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Exell
authors: Elisabetta
authors: E
authors: Verdun
authors: Reinoud
authors: R
authors: Driebergen
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004867:Equipment Design; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000379:methods*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous / Q000379:methods; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012648:Self Care
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a