Single-use autoinjector for peginterferon-β1a treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: safety,tolerability and patient evaluation data from the Phase IIIb ATTAIN study

Objectives: A sub-study to evaluate safety, tolerability, ease-of-use and patient satisfaction with a single-use autoinjector administering subcutaneous peginterferon-β_1a (a pegylated interferon-β_1a in clinical development) in a subset of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients participating in ATTAIN, a long-term dose-frequency blinded extension of the Phase III randomized ADVANCE study.

Methods: Over 8 weeks, patients self-administered peginterferon-β_1a 125 µg or placebo every 2 weeks (two injections via manual pre-filled syringe PFS]; two injections via single-use autoinjector). Primary end points were incidence of adverse events (AEs), patient assessment of injection pain score (10-point Visual Analog Scale), and clinician assessment of injection site reactions (ISRs). Secondary objectives included patient assessment of ease-of-use and satisfaction with the autoinjector and evaluation of autoinjector training materials.

Results: In 39 patients, the safety profile of peginterferon-β_1a was similar when delivered via autoinjector or PFS; AEs were mostly mild or moderate in severity. Clinicians and patients reported a similar tolerability profile using both PFS and autoinjector, and pain scores were low (< 1), with no reports of clinician-assessed ISRs after administration with the autoinjector. Patients perceived the single-use autoinjector to be easy to use and convenient; overall patient satisfaction with the autoinjector and accompanying training materials was high.

Conclusion: The safety and tolerability profile of peginterferon-β_1a delivered via autoinjector was similar to delivery via PFS. Patients found the autoinjector easy to use and convenient; this device may simplify the injection process for MS patients who require long-term therapy, thereby potentially improving patient’s quality of life and adherence.