TC02
Betaconnect™ Autoinjector Comparator Market Research Study
Patients with MS must undergo treatment with disease modifying therapies (DMTs) over the long term in order to manage the disease. In the United States, patients on Copaxone, Rebif, Extavia, and Betaseron typically use a mechanical autoinjector to administer their medication. Recent results from market research surveys show that use of an electronic autoinjector, such as BETACONNECT™ for Betaseron, instead of a mechanical autoinjector, may reduce discomfort, provide more consistent injections across more injection sites, and thereby impact patient satisfaction with treatment.
Objectives:
To assess patient perceptions of BETACONNECT in comparison to their experience with mechanical autoinjectors.
Methods:
Patients with MS from 12 locations in the US currently using mechanical autoinjectors for Copaxone, Rebif (Rebiject II), and Extavia were recruited to participate in a 60-minute in person interview, where they rated the importance of 18 attributes in an ideal autoinjector, and then rated the performance of their current autoinjectors across the 18 attributes. The patients then received a demonstration of BETACONNECT, which they rated across the same 18 attributes. Participants provided a number for each attribute on a rating scale, where 1 was not important at all and 10 was most important.
Results:
90 patients (63 Copaxone, 25 Rebif, and 2 Extavia) participated. Across all 18 attributes, BETACONNECT scored higher than all the mechanical autoinjectors. The top 5 attributes (ranked in order of importance in an ideal autoinjector) were overall ease of use, ability to push start button easily, comfortable to hold, ability to use without help, and ability to adjust injection depth. Unique BETACONNECT features most valued by patients were the built-in dwell time (96%), self-check function (84%), injection speed adjustment (83%), low injection noise (83%), and automatic needle retraction (83%), where the number represents the percent of patients who selected a rating of 8, 9, or 10. Overall, 75 out of 90 patients (83%) expressed a preference for BETACONNECT over their current autoinjector.
Conclusions:
BETACONNECT attributes and features were highly rated by patients, compared to both an ideal autoinjector and their current mechanical autoinjectors. The findings suggest that use of BETACONNECT may increase patient satisfaction and potentially increase their overall adherence to medication.