Preliminary outcomes from the MMX mesalamine patient experience program in patients with ulcerative colitis

Abstract

The MMX mesalamine patient experience program was designed to evaluate the efficacy of MMX mesalamine treatment in patients who were beginning a new course of therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC). This program was launched in October 2007. Patients who were beginning a new course of treatment on or after this date were invited to participate. Surveys were completed via the internet or an automated telephone system, and questions examined perceived symptom severity, self-assessed disruption to daily activities, prior UC medication and treatment satisfaction, at baseline and at approximately 30 and 60 days post-baseline. Additional disease education and related questions was included in the survey and further questions included examined patients' understanding of their disease and its management. Reponses from patients who completed the baseline and 60-day surveys are included in this analysis. In total, 319 patients were enrolled into the program, of whom 110 had completed the 60-day post baseline questionnaire at the time of reporting. Almost 75% of patients had previously received UC medication (most had received a mesalamine formulation [other than MMX mesalamine]). Patients' self-reported adherence to MMX mesalamine was 88%, and higher satisfaction was reported for MMX mesalamine than with other formulations, giving an average satisfaction score of over 7 out of 9. Indeed, after 60 days' treatment, patients reported a 36-57% reduction in symptom severity, with an approximately 46% reduction in the disruption to their daily activities. Overall, 81% of patients indicated that they would continue taking MMX mesalamine, with 78% stating that they would recommend it. The majority of patients (67%) felt that the patient experience program enhanced communication with their physician, with 80% stating that they would participate in similar programs in the future. The results of this patient experience program indicate that treatment of UC with MMX mesalamine could reduce symptom severity and disruption to daily activities. In general, patients preferred this formulation over previous treatments that they had received, and most would continue using MMX mesalamine. Positive perception of their medication regimen may benefit patient adherence with MMX mesalamine therapy. This research was funded by Shire Pharmaceuticals Inc., Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA.