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Research Article
11 November 2024

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

Authors: Sheila Elliott https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2994-5301 [email protected], Priya Miranda https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4510-5613, and Kyle Hayes https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8203-4738Author Info & Affiliations
Volume 13, Number 12
https://doi.org/10.57264/cer-2024-0131
PDFFormats

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.

Shareable abstract

A market research study of the SelfJect™ single-dose prefilled injector for Acthar® Gel showed that patients with inflammatory diseases and healthcare professionals had positive perceptions. Ease of use and decreased needle-related anxiety may help improve treatment adherence.

Plain language summary

A market research study of a new injection device for Acthar® Gel

What is this article about?

Acthar® Gel is used to treat inflammatory diseases. The medication is administered by injection into the muscle or under the skin. Patients with a limited range of hand motion or fear of needles may have difficulty injecting themselves. SelfJect™ was developed to make self-injection easier. SelfJect is a device that contains Acthar in a prefilled syringe. This device includes a hidden needle to prevent needlestick injury, a handle to improve grip and an audible click that indicates administration of a complete dose. A study was conducted to get feedback from patients with inflammatory diseases, doctors and nurses on the usability of SelfJect. Patients were mailed SelfJect devices and instructions for its use. They were asked to complete an online survey about their reactions to using SelfJect. Patients also participated in virtual focus group sessions. Doctors and nurses were mailed SelfJect but were instructed to not open the package until their virtual interview.

What were the results?

Twelve patients and 42 doctors and nurses participated in the study. Most participants reported that SelfJect was easy to use. The features they liked most were the handle and not needing to fill a syringe with Acthar from a vial. Most patients felt prepared to inject Acthar after reading the instructions. Most doctors and nurses thought that patients would benefit from using SelfJect.

What do the results mean?

The easy use of SelfJect makes it more likely that patients will take their medication as prescribed.

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