Biogen Idec receives EU approval for Avonex Pen
First single-use intramuscular autoinjector for MS patients to be approved
The European regulators have approved the first single-use intramuscular autoinjector, the Avonex Pen, for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) and those who have had a single demyelinating event.
Douglas Williams, executive vice president of Research and Development at Biogen Idec, said: ‘For more than 10 years, Avonex (interferon beta-1a) has been the therapy of choice for many MS patients who prefer the convenience of once-weekly injections, along with its proven efficacy and a well-established safety profile. Not only do we think Avonex Pen makes Avonex therapy more convenient, it can also help alleviate the anxiety that some MS patients feel when they have to inject their medication.’
The Avonex Pen (Avonex 30mcg/0.5ml solution for injection, in pre-filled pen) integrates the currently approved Avonex prefilled syringe and uses a shorter 25 gauge 16mm (5/8in) needle.
Additional features of the Avonex Pen include a protective injector shield that conceals the needle prior to injection, automated needle insertion and medication delivery, and a diameter and length designed to stabilise Avonex Pen during the injection procedure.
Biogen Idec will begin making the Avonex Pen available in countries across Europe in the coming weeks.
