Merck KGaA introduces RebiSmart electronic injection device
For the self-administration of Rebif (interferon beta-1a)
Merck KGaA has launched an individually adjustable electronic injection device, RebiSmart, for the self-administration of Rebif (interferon beta-1a), the company's disease-modifying drug used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The company says RebiSmart is the first device of its kind in this indication and was specifically designed for ease of use.
RebiSmart is used with Rebif multidose cartridges each containing one week's worth of medicine. Interactive, on-screen instructions and signals guide patients through the injection process. Individually adjustable comfort settings give patients more flexibility with injection duration and depth, helping minimise discomfort and pain.
"Making injection more comfortable for the patient is important to ensure optimal treatment outcomes in multiple sclerosis," said Dr Virginia Devonshire, assistant professor of neurology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. "The first electronic injection device in MS is an innovative approach and could contribute to increasing patient adherence to therapy."
RebiSmart records the date, time and dosage of each injection so that an accurate history of dosing can be viewed and discussed with the patient, allowing doctors to monitor and improve patient adherence to therapy. The dose history can be downloaded and viewed on a personal computer.
RebiSmart has been approved in Canada and Europe. It was first launched in the UK and is also now available in Canada. Further launches will follow on a country-by-country basis.
The European Medicines agency (EMEA) approved two strengths of the multidose cartridge, 132 micrograms (three doses of 44 micrograms) and 66 micrograms (three doses of 22 micrograms), in January. RebiSmart also facilitates use by patients starting treatment through its automatic pre-programmed titration setting. In May 2009, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), the scientific committee of the EMEA, issued a positive opinion for the storage of the multidose cartridge at temperatures up to 25°C for two weeks.