Bayer Receives FDA Approval for First & Only Electronic Autoinjector in RRMS Treatment
Bayer HealthCare recently announced the US FDA approved BETACONNECT, the first and only electronic autoinjector in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). BETACONNECT will be available exclusively to BETASERON (interferon beta-1b) patients beginning in early 2016.
BETASERON is a prescription medicine used to reduce the number of relapses in people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. This includes people who have had their first symptoms of multiple sclerosis and have an MRI consistent with multiple sclerosis. BETASERON will not cure MS but may decrease the number of flare-ups of the disease. After completing the preparation of BETASERON, patients may administer BETASERON by using the BETACONNECT, which should only be used with the syringes provided in the BETASERON packaging.
“Bayer has a long legacy of supporting and providing services for the RRMS community. BETASERON was the first disease-modifying therapy approved by the FDA to treat RRMS patients, and today we are pleased to offer the first and only electronic autoinjector for those living with the disease,” said Klaus Marten, Bayer’s Vice President and General Manager of Neurology.
BETACONNECT was created based on feedback from patients and caregivers alike. The new autoinjector offers customizable injection speed and depth settings that allow patients to inject quietly with precision at the touch of a button. Patients should speak to a healthcare provider or nurse before making any changes to injection depth or speed settings. BETACONNECT has an optional back-up reminder function that lets them know when it’s time for their next injection. Additionally, the automatic needle insertion and retraction with a visual and audio end-of-dose indication lets patients know when the injection is complete.
“Offering new options to individuals with MS to help manage their disease is important since ‘one size does not fit all’ when considering MS treatment,” said Douglas Franklin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.
There are approximately 400,000 people in the US living with RRMS, which is characterized by clearly defined attacks, or exacerbations. Injectable beta-interferons are a prescribed class of immunomodulatory drugs for RRMS.
“Injectables are an important therapeutic option for RRMS and the FDA approval of BETACONNECT represents an important step that gives patients the ability to tailor certain aspects of their injections,” said Amy Perrin Ross, APN, MSN, CNRN, MSCN, Past President of the International Organization of MS Nurses.
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