title: Single-use autoinjector for once-weekly intramuscular injection of IFNβ-1a.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  IFNβ products and glatiramer acetate are established treatment first-line options in long-term disease-modifying therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS). These self-injectable medications are used once weekly to once daily. Injection-related issues are common patient-cited reasons for nonadherence. Autoinjectors have been shown to support long-term adherence to injectable medications. The ability to self-inject in MS patients has been associated with a reduced risk of missed injections and drug discontinuation, and a beneficial effect on patient independence.
  
  
  METHODS
  The recently introduced easy-to-use prefilled once-weekly pen is a safe and effective device for intramuscular (IM) IFNβ-1a application and provides a convenient method for self-injection. We reviewed the available published evidence on the characteristics of this device. The once-weekly pen facilitates self-injection and was preferred over prefilled syringes by patients in a prospective open-label, multicenter Phase IIIb trial in MS patients who had been using IM IFNβ-1a in prefilled syringes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The simple and safe handling, shielded short needle, single-use disposable design and virtually painless injection by the device may contribute to adherence, quality of life and independence in patients using IM IFNβ-1a.
authors.affiliation: Klinikum Köln-Merheim, Klinik für Neurologie und Palliativmedizin , Ostmerheimer Str. 200 D-51109 Köln , Germany LimmrothV@kliniken-koeln.de.
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Limmroth
authors.forename: Kathrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gerbershagen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular / Q000295:instrumentation; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012646:Self Administration / Q000295:instrumentation; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a
keywords: IFNβ-1a; autoinjector; intramuscular; once weekly; single use