Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire Research Articles

THU070 Randomized, Placebo-controlled Phase 3 Trial Protocol Assessing The Efficacy And Safety Of Octreotide Subcutaneous Depot (CAM2029) In Patients With Acromegaly

Abstract Disclosure: D. Ferone: Advisory Board Member; Self; Recordati, Novartis-AAA, Sandoz, Camurus. Grant Recipient; Self; Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis-AAA, Ipsen, Camurus. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus. P. Freda: Research Investigator; Self; Camurus. L. Katznelson: Advisory Board Member; Self; Recordati, Camurus, Amryt. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus. F. Gatto: Research Investigator; Self; Camurus. A. Gilis-Januszewska: Research Investigator; Self; Camurus. M.B. Gordon: Advisory Board Member; Self; Camurus, Crinetics, HRA Pharma, Novo Nordisk, Recordati. Grant Recipient; Self; Amryt, Ascendis, Camurus, Corcept, Crinetics, Ipsen, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk, Opko, Pfizer, Inc., Strongbridge. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus. P. Kadioglu: Research Investigator; Self; Camurus. P. Maffei: Research Investigator; Self; Camurus. J.R. Seufert: Research Investigator; Self; Camurus. J. Silverstein: Advisory Board Member; Self; Amryt, Recordati. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus. J.L. Spencer-Segal: Grant Recipient; Self; Camurus. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus. M. Harrie: Employee; Self; Camurus. A. Svedberg: Employee; Self; Camurus. F. Tiberg: Employee; Self; Camurus. Extended-release formulations of the somatostatin analogues (SSAs), octreotide and lanreotide, are first-line medical therapies for patients with acromegaly who have contraindications for, or are not cured by, surgical intervention and/or radiotherapy. Treatment goals, regardless of modality, include biochemical normalization of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH), symptom relief, tumor control, and maintenance of pituitary function. From the patient perspective, treatment satisfaction, autonomy, and quality of life may be as important as biochemical control. Constraints of current SSA formulations include incomplete biochemical and symptom control, and a lack of convenient self-administration options. Octreotide subcutaneous (SC) depot (CAM2029) is a novel FluidCrystal® formulation of octreotide designed for easy administration by patients, in a ready-to-use prefilled syringe or injection pen. In previous clinical trials, CAM2029 provided more than five-fold higher bioavailability compared to the currently marketed long-acting octreotide formulation.The efficacy and safety of CAM2029 in acromegaly is being evaluated in a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial (NCT04076462). 72 patients were randomized 2:1 to monthly SC doses of CAM2029 20 mg or placebo, with the option for self-administration. Key inclusion criteria included a biochemical and clinical diagnosis of acromegaly due to a pituitary adenoma with persistent or recurrent disease, treatment with a stable dose of octreotide long-acting release or lanreotide Autogel for at least 3 months as monotherapy, and controlled disease with IGF-1 ≤1 x upper limit of normal (ULN). Key exclusion criteria included GH ≥2.5 μg/L at screening, pituitary surgery within 6 months of screening, prior pituitary irradiation, and recent treatment with pasireotide, pegvisomant, or dopamine agonists. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients with normalized IGF-1 (≤1 x ULN) after 6 months of treatment. Other endpoints include change from baseline of IGF-1, GH and patient-reported outcomes (Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication, Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire, Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire, EQ-5D-5L), safety and tolerability, clinical signs and symptoms of acromegaly, use of rescue medication and octreotide pharmacokinetics. The estimated primary completion date for the trial is May 2023. After completing study treatment, patients may switch to open-label treatment in a phase 3 long-term safety and extension trial of CAM2029 (NCT04125836). Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Safe and Effective Subcutaneous Self-Injection of Bimekizumab with Safety Syringe and Auto-Injector Devices: Results from a Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Study in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis.

Bimekizumab is a monoclonal IgG1 antibody that selectively inhibits interleukin (IL)-17F in addition to IL-17A, key drivers of chronic inflammation. Bimekizumab must be injected subcutaneously and so patients require self-injection options that meet their preferences. This study evaluated safe and effective self-injection of bimekizumab by patients with psoriatic arthritis using the 1 mL safety syringe (SSy) or the 1 mL auto-injector (AI). The DV0004 devices study (NCT04109976) was a sub-study of BE VITAL, a multicenter, open-label extension of BE OPTIMAL (NCT03895203) and BE COMPLETE (NCT03896581) in patients with active psoriatic arthritis. After receiving training, patients subcutaneously self-injected bimekizumab 160 mg at Baseline and Week 4. The primary and secondary endpoints were the proportion of patients self-injecting bimekizumab safely and effectively at Week 4 and Baseline, respectively. Patient self-injection experience was evaluated using the pain visual analog scale (VAS) and the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ). Overall, 214 patients were randomized 1:1 at Baseline. All evaluable patients safely and effectively self-injected bimekizumab at Week 4 (SSy: n=105; AI: n=104) and Baseline (SSy: n=106; AI: n=106). Mean pain VAS scores were generally low at Week 4 (SSy: 11.0; AI: 11.4) and Baseline (SSy: 9.5; AI: 14.9). High mean pre- and post-injection SIAQ scores (≥6.7) were observed for both devices indicating a positive overall patient experience with self-injection. Self-injection was well tolerated with no reports of treatment-emergent adverse device effects (TEADEs), serious TEADEs or discontinuations due to TEADEs. Four non-device-related injection site reactions during the sub-study were reported in the parent study; all were mild, did not lead to discontinuation and resolved without treatment. All devices maintained their structural and functional integrity post-use. All patients self-injected subcutaneous bimekizumab safely and effectively using either device at Baseline and Week 4. Overall, patients reported a positive self-injection experience.

Improvements in self‐confidence and satisfaction with self‐injection after introducing self‐injection of dupilumab in patients with atopic dermatitis

AbstractDupilumab was approved for treating adult patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) refractory to topical therapy in Japan in April 2018, and self‐injection of dupilumab has been available since May 2019. Subcutaneous self‐injection of medication has benefits for patients and the healthcare system. However, anxiety about self‐injection, lack of confidence, and the complicated procedure could prevent initiating self‐injection. In this study, we assessed the experience of AD patients treated with dupilumab before and after introducing self‐injection, utilizing the Self‐Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ). Adult AD patients who received dupilumab by self‐injection and had been treated for more than 3 months after initiating self‐injection in our hospital from March 1, 2020, to June 19, 2021, were included in this study. Patients rated their perceptions about self‐injections using the SIAQ before the first self‐injection and 3 months after initiating self‐injection. Data were collected retrospectively from their charts. Data on 36 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 34.1 ± 11.5 years. Twenty patients used a prefilled auto‐injector, and the others used a prefilled syringe. Scores on self‐confidence and satisfaction with self‐injection significantly improved after introducing self‐injection. Feelings about injections improved in patients over 40 years and in those who felt anxious about self‐injection. A strong correlation in scores between satisfaction with self‐injection and the ease of use was observed. The results were not affected by clinical severity, gender, or device. Our results could encourage patients who dither to introduce self‐injection of dupilumab due to anxiety and/or lack of self‐confidence about self‐injection to initiate self‐injection.

Demographic, Physical, and Psychological Determinants of Patient Experience with Subcutaneous Self-Injection in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Structural Equation Modeling Approach.

To achieve a better patient experience with self-injection, an assessment of potential demographic, physical, and psychological barriers is necessary. The aim of this study was to examine the demographic, physical, and psychological characteristics associated with the experiences of self-injection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, overall patient experience with subcutaneous self-injection was assessed using the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire. Upper limb function was assessed using the three domains of the Health Assessment Questionnaire associated with upper extremity disability (dressing and grooming, eating, and grip). Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the association between the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with RA and their experiences with self-injection in the theoretical model. Data from 83 patients with RA were analyzed. Compared with younger patients, elderly patients were more likely to experience lower self-confidence, self-image, and ease of use. Female patients had lower ease of use than male patients. In terms of upper limb function, patients with more difficulty in performing activities of daily living were more likely to have a lower self-image. Self-injection perceptions before learning the method of injection, such as fear of needles and anxiety about self-injection, were associated with post-injection feelings, injection site reactions, self-confidence, and ease of use. To optimize patients' experiences with self-injection, healthcare workers should assess each patient's age, sex, upper limb function, and pre-self-injection perceptions as demographic, physical, and psychological barriers.

A service evaluation of joint working across sectors to promote self-administration of subcutaneous systemic anti-cancer therapy in breast cancer patients

Abstract Introduction Trastuzumab(T) is a humanized monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer and is available as a subcutaneous(sc) formulation thereby allowing short and convenient administration. A lack of trained nurses to administer T at home and/or train patients at home to self-administer, together with challenges in maintaining cold-chain delivery have impeded uptake of home administration.1,2 In order to support patients’ ability to self-administer T at home, we have implemented an educational programme that includes nurse-led training, education material, support apps and follow-up telephone clinics. Home delivery of pre-filled syringes was enabled in collaboration with commercial providers for aseptics and logistic. Aim The aim of this service evaluation was to evaluate the utility of this programme from the patients’ perspective and to assess patient satisfaction and impact on quality of life (QOL). Methods A previously validated Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ)3 was modified to assess patient satisfaction, perceptions and impact of the programme. Patients who had agreed to enrol on the ‘self-administration’ scheme, were asked to complete the questionnaire at baseline, at the third training session and at the second self-administered dose. Approval from a Research Ethics Committee is not required for this service evaluation. Results All 14 patients offered the questionnaire responded to all questions. The median age was 58 years old (age range 43-76), 11 patients were Caucasian, 2 were Asian and one was African/Caribbean. The average distance from their home address to hospital was 10.1 miles (range 4-19). Following completion of the one-to-one nurse training there was an improvement in patient confidence to self-administer sc. T. No differences in ‘feeling in control of their treatment’ or ‘satisfaction of attending hospital appointments’ were noted. Of the 11 patients who reached the self-administration stage, 10 reported that they felt ‘very confident’ and 8 reported that it was ‘very easy’ to give themselves the injection. All patients rated themselves ‘very satisfied’ with self-administration and reported that the nurse training programme helped them to be more confident. 10 patients reported that the App and written information was useful as well as the pre- and post- administration telephone clinics. All patients reported that the self-administration programme had a positive impact on their QOL by reducing the number of hospital visits. In the first 4 months of self-administration each patient reduced their hospital attendance by an average of 8 appointments (median=8) equating to 10 hours of time that would have been spent at hospital. Discussion/Conclusion The subcutaneous T self-administration programme was well received by patients. The nurse training sessions and supportive materials enabled patients to feel more confident about self-administration with no reported incidents or adverse events. This led to fewer hospital visits and improved QOL. This programme was critically dependent on the services of a commercial compounder and homecare provider, emphasizing the importance of joint working between the NHS and commercial sector. Evaluation of this programme will continue and will include other agents, including Phesgo® (sc trastuzumab and pertuzumab) which have more patients and will improve the reliability of the results.

Secukinumab demonstrates efficacy, safety, and tolerability upon administration by 2 ml autoinjector in adult patients with plaque psoriasis: 52-week results from MATURE, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Convenient administration is an important factor for treatment adherence in patients with psoriasis. MATURE study reports the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of secukinumab 300 mg 2ml autoinjector (AI) from MATURE trial (NCT03589885). Eligible patients were randomized to secukinumab 300 mg 2ml AI or 2× 1ml prefilled syringe (PFS) or placebo. The co-primary endpoints were psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) 75 and investigator's global assessment (IGA) 0/1 response rates at Week 12 versus placebo. Other endpoints included PASI90/100 response, dermatology life quality index (DLQI) 0/1, PKs, 2ml AI usability rated using self-injection assessment questionnaire (SIAQ), and safety. The study met both co-primary and secondary endpoints (p< 0.0001). Secukinumab 300 mg 2 ml AI and 2× 1 ml PFS treatments led to superior PASI75/90/100 (2 ml AI: 95.1%/75.6%/43.9%; 2× 1 mL PFS: 83.2%/62.6%/37.5% and placebo: 10%/5.0%/0.0%, respectively), IGA, and DLQI 0/1 responses compared with placebo, and efficacy was sustained through 52 weeks. SIAQ results showed high usability of self-injection with 2 mL AI device. No new safety signals were observed. Study design may bias the interpretation of safety profile after Week 12, due to different exposure of secukinumab versus placebo. Secukinumab 300 mg administered with the 2mL AI demonstrated superior efficacy over placebo, good tolerability, and convenient administration.

NP-108: Improvement in patient experience with successful implementation of a Velcade at Home program in patients with myeloma

<h3>Background</h3> Traditionally subcutaneous Velcade is delivered in a day ward environment. To reduce hospital visits for our patients, we introduced a Velcade at Home program (VAH) consisting of two arms; self-injection and general practitioner (GP) delivery. Here we present data on the patient experience outcomes. <h3>Methods</h3> A Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire was developed for both GP and self-injection arms, adapted from a previously validated tool (1). The questionnaire elicited respondents' feelings about GP administration or self-injection using a Likert scale format with free text questions used to evaluate time and cost burden. The questionnaire was completed each week during the first cycle in the chemotherapy day unit, prior to cycle 3 (after one full cycle in the community) and at the end of cycle 4. All data were analysed using descriptive statistics. <h3>Results</h3> The first 20 patients enrolled onto the VAH Program were consented to the study, with 19 completing the program (15 self-injection, 4 GP). In the self-injection arm 46% (7/15) of patients felt anxious prior to their first dose, this decreased to 0/15 by the end of cycle 4. No participants had difficulty removing the cap, depressing the plunger or administering the injection after their first cycle of training. The time reported to complete the injection was shorter for the self-injection arm when compared to their previous injections at hospital (mean 6 minutes and 280 minutes respectively). Similarly, patients in the self-injection arm reported a reduction in the cost burden associated with attending hospital. Of those who responded, 5/7 reported no costs associated with VAH. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The VAH program has been very well received with patients appreciating the opportunity to regain some control over their treatment and the potential for significant benefit in time and costs. We have been able to share our resources with 7 sites in Australia and New Zealand to help in the implementation of a similar program

Usability of the Certolizumab Pegol Auto-Injection Device in Australian Patients with Chronic Rheumatic Diseases: Results from a Market Research Study.

PurposeTo determine the usability of the ergonomically designed certolizumab pegol pre-filled pen (CZP PFP) in Australian patients with active ankylosing spondylitis, active psoriatic arthritis or moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis.Patients and MethodsCZP-naive patients were recruited from six clinical centers in Australia between November 2018 and May 2019. Patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) reviewed training materials and completed pre-injection surveys; patients then self-administered ≥1 injection with the CZP PFP during each of three visits. Patients and HCPs then completed post-injection surveys. Some survey questions were adapted from the self-injection assessment questionnaire (SIAQv2.0).ResultsSeventy patients participated (65 completed 3 visits); 33 were biologic-experienced. All patients agreed that training materials were informative; 94% found them easy to understand. Pre-injection, 89% of patients reported little or no anxiety about having injections; 67% (79% in biologic-experienced) were very confident about self-injecting the correct dose with the PFP. Ninety percent of patients were satisfied/very satisfied with their first experience with the CZP PFP; those with pre-injection anxiety reported lower satisfaction (43% vs 79% “very satisfied”). Confidence and satisfaction increased as visits progressed (for Visit 3 vs Visit 2: 69% vs 56% “very convenient”; 75% vs 67% “very confident”; 71% vs 57% “very satisfied”). All HCPs were confident in their patients’ competence to self-inject and thought all patients had overall positive experiences.ConclusionAustralian patients with chronic rheumatic disease reported high levels of confidence and satisfaction following initial use of the CZP PFP. The availability of devices with patient-centered design innovations may help overcome barriers to self-injection for improved adherence/outcomes.

Efficacy, tolerability, patient usability, and satisfaction with a 2 mL pre-filled syringe containing secukinumab 300 mg in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: results from the phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ALLURE study

Background Evidence shows good tolerability in patients for subcutaneous injection volumes up to 3 mL. Objectives We investigated efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and tolerability of secukinumab 300 mg/2 mL pre-filled syringe (PFS) in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Methods ALLURE was a 52-week, multicenter, randomized (1:1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Co-primary endpoints were secukinumab Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 75 and Investigator’s Global Assessment modified 2011 0/1 (IGA mod 2011 0 or 1) responses at week 12 versus placebo. Other endpoints included the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ), and the ability to follow the instructions for use (IFU). Results Overall, 214 patients were randomized. The secukinumab 300 mg/2 mL PFS showed superiority over placebo for both PASI 75 (88.9% versus 1.7%; p<.0001) and IGA mod 2011 0 or 1 (76.4% versus 1.4%; p<.0001) responses at week 12. All secondary efficacy endpoints were met. The SIAQ scores were similar across groups and improved similarly over 12 weeks. All patients completed critical steps in the IFU at week 1. Conclusions The secukinumab 300 mg/2 mL PFS groups showed superiority versus placebo, and it was a safe, effective, and convenient option for patients with psoriasis. NCT02748863.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the assessment of self-injection questionnaire: an adaptation of the self-injection assessment questionnaire

BackgroundPatient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments provide robust and effective means of evaluating patients’ treatment experience; however, none adequately cover experience using self-injection devices with enhanced features, such as an electromechanical autoinjector (e-Device). The aim of this study was to develop a PRO instrument that accurately assesses patient experience of using an e-Device and to evaluate its psychometric properties.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was taken; two parallel, targeted literature reviews were conducted to identify relevant concepts and existing self-injection PRO instruments that could be adapted. Patient feedback obtained from two focus groups was used to inform initial instrument development. The pilot instrument was then administered in a multicenter, open-label, phase 3 clinical study in which patients self-injected certolizumab pegol using an e-Device, to gather evidence of its psychometric qualities. Exit interviews were conducted with a sub-sample of patients enrolled in the study to confirm the appropriateness and clarity of the items included and cognitively debrief the instrument. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted on all items, and each domain’s internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s ɑ.ResultsThe literature searches identified several e-Device-specific concepts related to device features, device function, side effects/reactions/pain, confidence, and interference/convenience in daily life. Seven existing PRO instruments were identified. The Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ), containing pre- and post-injection questionnaire modules, was selected as most suitable and adapted using feedback from 19 patients in the two focus groups to form the pilot Assessment of Self-Injection (ASI) questionnaire. CFA resulted in some changes to the grouping of items in the post-injection module domains following psychometric evaluation of the ASI. Internal consistency was satisfactory for all pre- and post-injection domains (ɑ > 0.8). Cognitive debriefing results from 12 patient exit interviews confirmed the ASI’s appropriateness and clarity.ConclusionsThe ASI was developed iteratively with patient input and was evaluated in its intended clinical context of use. Psychometric analyses indicated promising cross-sectional results; the ASI was well understood and considered relevant by patients self-injecting using the e-Device, suggesting that it could be used in real-world settings to aid with clinical decision making.Trial registration: NCT03357471

Patient Satisfaction with CIMZIA® (Certolizumab Pegol) AutoClicks® in the UK

IntroductionThe CIMZIA® AutoClicks® pre-filled pen (CZP PFP) was developed to overcome barriers to self-injection, by improving self-injection confidence, reducing fear associated with needle use, and supporting patients with impaired dexterity. The purpose of this research was to gather feedback on injection experience and the usefulness of training materials.MethodsEligible patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were at least 18 years of age and initiated onto the CZP PFP. Routine self-injection training and support were provided by trained specialist nurses. Patient experience (pain and skin reactions, confidence, satisfaction, and ease of use) was evaluated at visits 1–3 using an amended version of the self-injection assessment questionnaire (SIAQ) v2.0. Nurse and patient feedback on the training materials, and nurse opinions on patient self-injection after self-injection at visit 1, were also collected.ResultsOf 355 patients invited to participate, 196 provided informed consent and 79 participated in all three visits. Patients generally found the CZP PFP easy to use, and self-confidence and satisfaction were high. From visit 1 to visit 3, there was a numerical trend towards improvement in all three aspects of patient experience, most notably in both confidence and satisfaction. After self-injection at visit 1, confidence around safe patient self-injection was higher among nurses than among patients. Meanwhile, “pain and skin reactions” remained low at all visits. Patients thought the training materials contained sufficient information and were easy to understand and useful.ConclusionAfter training, patients generally found the device easy to use and showed high confidence and satisfaction with self-injection. Some patients may have been competent (based on nurse opinion), but initially lacked self-confidence. Increasing self-injection experience, together with patient training and continued support, may have facilitated high patient confidence and satisfaction, thereby potentially overcoming some of the barriers to self-injection.Electronic Supplementary MaterialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-020-01257-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Efficacy and safety of guselkumab, administered with a novel patient-controlled injector (One-Press), for moderate-to-severe psoriasis: results from the phase 3 ORION study

Objectives: Guselkumab, an interleukin-23 antagonist, is approved for self-administration with the UltraSafe Plus™ syringe to treat moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis. We evaluated the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and acceptability of guselkumab administered using a novel patient-controlled injector (One-Press) in psoriasis patients.Materials and methods: This Phase 3, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (ORION, Clinicaltrials.gov identifier-NCT02905331) randomized adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (4:1) to guselkumab 100 mg at Weeks 0/4/12/20/28 or placebo at Weeks 0/4/12 with crossover to guselkumab 100 mg at Weeks 16/20/28. Week 16 co-primary endpoints were the proportions of patients achieving Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) cleared/minimal (IGA 0/1) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 90% improvement (PASI90) responses. One-Press usability/acceptability was evaluated using the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ) and Patient-Controlled Injection Device Questionnaire. Final assessments occurred at Week 40.Results: At Week 16, significantly higher proportions of guselkumab-treated (N = 62) than placebo-treated (N = 16) patients achieved IGA 0/1 (80.6% vs. 0.0%, p < .001) and PASI90 (75.8% vs. 0.0%, p < .001) responses. Adverse events were comparable between treatments. SIAQ results demonstrated 99% (68/69) of patients were satisfied/very satisfied with One-Press at Week 28.Conclusions: Guselkumab administered using the One-Press patient-controlled injector was efficacious and well-tolerated in moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients, consistent with previously reported Phase-3 studies of guselkumab administered using UltraSafe Plus. One-Press was highly acceptable to patients.

Efficacy and safety of secukinumab administration by autoinjector in patients with psoriatic arthritis: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (FUTURE 3)

BackgroundThe study aimed to assess 52-week efficacy and safety of secukinumab self-administration by autoinjector in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the FUTURE 3 study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01989468).MethodsPatients (≥ 18 years of age; N = 414) with active PsA were randomized 1:1:1 to subcutaneous (s.c.) secukinumab 300 mg, 150 mg, or placebo at baseline, weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, and every 4 weeks thereafter. Per clinical response, placebo-treated patients were re-randomized to s.c. secukinumab 300 or 150 mg at week 16 (nonresponders) or week 24 (responders) and stratified at randomization by prior anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy (anti-TNF-naïve, 68.1%; intolerant/inadequate response (anti-TNF-IR), 31.9%). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving at least 20% improvement in American College of Rheumatology response criteria (ACR20) at week 24. Autoinjector usability was evaluated by Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ).ResultsOverall, 92.1% (300 mg), 91.3% (150 mg), and 93.4% (placebo) of patients completed 24 weeks, and 84.9% (300 mg) and 79.7% (150 mg) completed 52 weeks. In the overall population (combined anti-TNF-naïve and anti-TNF-IR), ACR20 response rate at week 24 was significantly higher in secukinumab groups (300 mg, 48.2% (p < 0.0001); 150 mg, 42% (p < 0.0001); placebo, 16.1%) and was sustained through 52 weeks. SIAQ results showed that more than 93% of patients were satisfied/very satisfied with autoinjector usage. Secukinumab was well tolerated with no new or unexpected safety signals reported.ConclusionsSecukinumab provided sustained improvements in signs and symptoms in active PsA patients through 52 weeks. High acceptability of autoinjector was observed. The safety profile was consistent with that reported previously.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01989468. Registered 21 November 2013.EudraCT 2013–004002-25. Registered 17 December 2013.

PRM151 - Re-Validation of the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire© (Siaqv2.0©) in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients on Certolizumab Pegol Treatment

PRM151 - Re-Validation of the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire© (Siaqv2.0©) in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients on Certolizumab Pegol Treatment

Efficacy, safety and usability of secukinumab administration by autoinjector/pen in psoriasis: a randomized, controlled trial (JUNCTURE)

Secukinumab is a fully human anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody. Determine the efficacy, safety and usability of secukinumab administered via autoinjector/pen. This phase III trial randomized subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis to secukinumab 300 mg, 150 mg or placebo self-injection once weekly to Week 4, then every 4 weeks. Co-primary end points at Week 12 were ≥75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) and clear/almost clear skin by investigator's global assessment 2011 modified version (IGA mod 2011 0/1). Secondary end points included autoinjector usability, assessed by successful, hazard-free self-injection and subject-reported acceptability on Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire. Week 12 PASI 75 and IGA mod 2011 0/1 responses were superior with secukinumab 300 mg (86.7% and 73.3%, respectively) and 150 mg (71.7% and 53.3%, respectively) vs. placebo (3.3% and 0%, respectively) (P < 0.0001 for all). All subjects successfully self-administered treatment at Week 1, without critical use-related hazards. Subject acceptability of autoinjector was high throughout 12 weeks. Adverse events were higher with secukinumab (300 mg, 70.0%; 150 mg, 63.9%) vs. placebo (54.1%), with differences largely driven by mild/moderate nasopharyngitis. Secukinumab delivered by autoinjector/pen is efficacious, well-tolerated and associated with high usability in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Subcutaneously administered methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, by prefilled syringes versus prefilled pens: patient preference and comparison of the self-injection experience.

PurposeThis multicenter, randomized, crossover study compared preference, ease of use, acceptability, satisfaction, and safety of repeated subcutaneous (SC) self-administrations with prefilled pens and prefilled syringes delivering methotrexate (MTX), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Patients and methodsThe study (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01793259) enrolled 120 patients requiring initiation or intensification of MTX therapy for RA. Patients were randomized to receive the test drug, a prefilled pen (Metex® PEN/Metoject® PEN), or the reference drug, a prefilled syringe (Metex®/Metoject®), at doses of 15, 17.5, or 20 mg MTX SC once a week for 3 weeks. This was followed by receipt of the reference drug (prefilled syringe) or the test drug (prefilled pen) in a crossover design, with each patient serving as his/her own control. Questionnaires regarding patient preference, the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ), and diaries regarding local tolerability were used to document outcomes.ResultsOverall patient preference for the MTX prefilled pen was 75% (P<0.0001). In a six-item questionnaire, 73% to 76% of the patients preferred the prefilled pen in relation to use, acceptability, and satisfaction, and 67% of the patients confirmed that it did not take much effort to overcome SC self-injection with the pen. The SIAQ showed no clinical differences, in any domain scores, between both devices. Overall patient attitude towards self-injection at baseline was positive, as was patient experience with both devices during the study. As well, 92% of physicians and study nurses indicated that they would recommend the MTX prefilled pen to patients for future MTX treatment. The formulations were generally well tolerated.ConclusionSC self-injection of MTX with a prefilled pen was generally preferred, by patients with RA, over a prefilled syringe with regard to use, acceptability, and satisfaction. This is supported by the strong appreciation of their attending study nurses and physicians, for its convenience.

Secukinumab prefilled syringes demonstrate patient satisfaction: Analysis of the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ) in the FEATURE study

Secukinumab prefilled syringes demonstrate patient satisfaction: Analysis of the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ) in the FEATURE study

Secukinumab autoinjectors demonstrate patient satisfaction: An analysis of the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ) in the JUNCTURE Study

Secukinumab autoinjectors demonstrate patient satisfaction: An analysis of the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ) in the JUNCTURE Study

Assessment of self-injection experience in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: psychometric validation of the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ)

BackgroundSubcutaneous self-injection of medication has benefits for the patient and healthcare system, but there are barriers such as dexterity problems and injection anxiety that can prevent self-injection being used effectively. An accurate method of evaluating patients' experiences with self-injection would enable assessment of their success in giving self-injections and the likelihood of them adhering to a self-injection regimen. The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire to measure overall patient experience with subcutaneous self-injection (the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire [SIAQ]), and to investigate its psychometric properties.MethodsThe construct validity and reliability of the SIAQ were tested in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who volunteered to inject certolizumab pegol using a standard syringe during an open-label multinational extension trial of the long-term safety and efficacy of this drug. The SIAQ PRE module was self-completed before the first self-injection, and the POST module was self-completed following each of three fortnightly self-injections.ResultsNinety-seven patients completed the SIAQ. All items correlated well with their respective domains in confirmatory factor analysis. As predicted, compared with other participants, patients with very low scores (less than 3 out of 10) in PRE causal domains (Feelings about injections and Self-confidence) were significantly less satisfied with their first self-injection, as were patients with a very low score in any POST causal domain (Self-confidence, Feelings about injections, Injection-site reactions and Ease of use), demonstrating known-groups validity. Causal domain scores generally correlated most strongly with the Satisfaction with self-injection domain, supporting convergent validity. The SIAQ demonstrated internal consistency and reproducibility; Cronbach's α and the test-retest coefficient were > 0.70 for all domains. Sensitivity and responsiveness were also shown, where measurable. Each language version showed structural validity.ConclusionThe SIAQ was demonstrated to be a valid, reliable tool in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.