Wyeth Launches New Innovative Delivery System For Enbrel(R) (etanercept)

Main Category: Arthritis / Rheumatology
Also Included In: Eczema / Psoriasis
Article Date: 13 Sep 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Enbrel (etanercept), Wyeth's biological treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, is now available as a new easy-to-use pre-filled auto-injector device, known as the Enbrel MYCLIC pen.

The Enbrel MYCLIC pen is a single-use auto-injector, designed to deliver Enbrel as a 50mg subcutaneous injection. It has been developed to offer ease-of-use and enhance patient confidence with the injection process.

The Enbrel MYCLIC pen incorporates a number of features to help patients including a mechanism to prevent accidental or premature misfiring of the pen device, and a large window to display the progress of the injection. The pen also features an audible click to confirm that the injection has been completed. The design philosophy has been to minimise the opportunity for any patient confusion or mistakes.

Dr Vignesh Rajah, Wyeth's Medical Director in the UK, says: "Extensive research has gone into the development of the Enbrel MYCLIC pen to ensure its ease-of-use and patient-friendliness. Our aim throughout has been to focus on features that enable the patient to feel comfortable with, and confident about, the injection process."

"We believe patients with limited dexterity will, in particular, welcome the new Enbrel MYCLIC pen," continued Dr Rajah. "In addition, patients who suffer from a fear of needles will appreciate the fact that the Enbrel MYCLIC pen has a needle safety shield to keep the needle hidden before, during, and after the injection."

Dr Ali Jawad, Consultant Rheumatologist at the Royal London Hospital said "Looking at the day-to-day concerns of the patients we see, I am very pleased that an easy-to-use autoinjector system is being introduced for Enbrel patients. Enbrel has an established efficacy and safety profile in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions, and now, by improving the delivery system, Wyeth is taking a further important step forward in meeting the needs of patients and those who care for them."

The Enbrel MYCLIC pen is licensed for use in all Enbrel adult indications and is available for both new and existing Enbrel patients. In addition to the new Enbrel MYCLIC pen (50mg dose), Enbrel continues to be available as a pre-filled syringe (25mg and 50mg doses) and as a powder for mixing with solvent solution (25mg dose).

Please note all patients should receive training from a healthcare professional familiar with the use of the device before using the Enbrel MYCLIC pen. Wyeth has been delivering a comprehensive healthcare professional training programme for the Enbrel MYCLIC pen prior to its launch for healthcare professionals.

Enbrel in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 1

In RA Enbrel has been shown to significantly reduce the pain and swelling in patient's joints, as well as the number of joints that are affected. Data also shows that the addition of Enbrel to an RA patient's treatment can result in a nearly threefold reduction in the number of sick days taken in comparison to patients who are given methotrexate alone.2

Enbrel in psoriasis

Psoriasis patients receiving etanercept showed significant improvement in their disease severity measured by the Physician Global Assessment of Psoriasis (PGA) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and achieved sustained and long-term relief of psoriasis symptoms. Data shows that mean improvement in PASI score was 68% at week 54 for continuous use of etanercept.3

Enbrel in ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

Currently biologics are an effective treatment for the spinal symptoms of AS and can have a significant impact on individuals. Enbrel has been shown to improve spinal mobility, back pain and inflammation in people with AS.4

References

1. Enbrel SmPC. http://www.medicines.org.uk Last accessed September 1st 2009

2. Emery P et al. Comparison of methotrexate monotherapy with a combination of methotrexate and etanercept in active, early, moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (COMET): a randomised, double-blind, parallel treatment trial. The Lancet, 2008; 372: 375-82.

3. Ortonne J P et al. Efficacy and safety of continuous versus paused etanercept treatment in patients with moderate-to severe psoriasis over 54 weeks: the CRYSTEL study. Expert Rev. Dermatol. 3(6), 657-665 (2008 4. Martin Mola E et al. Long-term Efficacy and Safety, Including Patient-Reported Outcomes, With Etanercept for 5 Years in Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Source
Wyeth