UCB says it has launched in the UK a new pre-filled self-injecting device for its anti-inflammatory drug Cimzia that was designed in collaboration with patients.
The firm says the AutoClicks Prefilled Pen has been cleared by regulators to administer the TNF inhibitor in all approved indications – rheumatoid arthritis, active psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis – enabling dose administration in four simple steps.
The Pen, which is based on core technology licensed from Bespak, provides a button-free delivery system and a wide non-slip grip that allows self-dosing of Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) while keeping patient hand disability in mind.
It also has a large viewing window that shows the progress of the injection and shows that they have administered it correctly with two clicks to indicate when the injection has started and when it has finished, “giving patients the confidence to know they have received their full dose,” the group notes.
“I see many patients whose joints have been destroyed by this painful disease so having a new choice is welcomed,” said Dr Ravik Mascarenhas, consultant rheumatologist at the Royal Devon & Exeter Foundation Trust. “Like most of us they also tend to find it a challenge self-injecting because of a needle – with this new pre-filled pen the patient doesn’t even see the needle which may take some of the nerves and fear away.”
“It is difficult for people who do not suffer from this disease to understand just how challenging doing the ordinary things in daily life can be, more so for those with painful and swollen joints…So we welcome any innovation that can help make the lives of RA patients more comfortable while they manage their condition,” added Ailsa Bosworth, chief executive of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society.
