A portfolio of biologic self-injection devices in rheumatology: how patient involvement in device design can improve treatment experience

摘要

Biologic drugs (e.g. anti-tumor necrosis factors) are effective treatments for multiple chronic inflammatorydiseases including rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.Administration of biologic drugs is usually via subcutaneous self-injection, which provides manypatient benefits compared to infusions including increased flexibility, reduced costs, and reduced caregiverburden. However, it is also associated with challenges such as needle phobia, patient treatmentmisconceptions and incorrect drug administration, and can be impacted by dexterity problems.Evidence suggests these problems, along with other drug administration challenges (e.g. patient forgetfulness,busy lifestyles, and polypharmacy), can reduce patient adherence to treatment. To combatthese challenges, patient feedback has been used to develop a range of self-injection devices, includingpre-filled syringes, pre-filled pens, and electronic injection devices. Providing different devices fordrug administration gives patients the opportunity to choose a device that addresses the challengesthey face as an individual. Research suggests involving patients in medical device development, providingpatients with a choice of devices and enrolling individuals in patient support programs canempower patients to take control of their treatment journey. By providing a portfolio of self-injectiondevices, designed based on patient needs, patient experience will improve, potentially improvingadherence and hence, long-term treatment outcomes.