A novel injection device to administer repository corticotropin injection for inflammatory disease treatment: findings from a market research study.

Abstract

Aim: The goal of this market research study was to determine the usability of a single-dose prefilled injector (SelfJect™) for administration of Acthar^® Gel (manufactured by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, UK) in patients with inflammatory diseases by obtaining feedback from patient and practitioner user groups in the US. Materials & methods: Patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) representing relevant therapeutic areas were enrolled in the study between February and March 2021. SelfJect was mailed to patients and HCPs prior to 90-min virtual video-recorded focus group sessions and 60-min 1:1 virtual interviews, respectively. Patients completed an online assignment prior to the group session, which included instructions on how to use SelfJect and questions about their initial reaction while handling the device. HCPs were instructed to not open the package until the interview. Feedback from patients and HCPs were captured by open-ended questions and ranking scales. Results: Twelve patients and 42 HCPs participated in the study. Most patients (9/12 [75%]) and HCPs (38/42 [90%]) had experience with injectable medications, and 7/12 (58%) and 30/42 [71%] had experience with Acthar injections, respectively. Most patients and HCPs reported that key benefits of SelfJect were accurate dose delivery and ease of use, including the ergonomic handle and elimination of drawing Acthar from a vial into a syringe. Patients expressed some concerns about storage and disposal, but the need to store SelfJect would not deter them from using it. Most patients (9/12 [75%]) felt prepared to inject Acthar after reviewing the instructions. HCPs anticipated that 75% to 100% of patients would benefit switching from the vial to SelfJect. Conclusion: All participants expressed positive perceptions for SelfJect including easy use, few preparation steps and potential reduced anxiety due to needle phobia. These attributes may help treatment adherence for patients and caregivers.