New injection device delivers optimum treatment dose to hepatitis C patients

A new injection device, ViraferonPeg Clearclick, has launched in the UK today for hepatitis C patients to accurately titrate and self-administer their weekly dose of ViraferonPeg (peginterferon alfa-2b).

The device has been specially designed to maintain dosing flexibility, across five dosage strengths (50 mcg/0.5 mL, 80 mcg/0.5 mL, 100 mcg/0.5 mL, 120 mcg/0.5 mL and 150 mcg/0.5 mL) helping nurses and patients to deliver the optimal dose and help maximise patient outcomes.

Clearclick will replace the existing Redipen and offer a number of additional features such as clearer markings and audible feedback to confirm that the proper dose has been injected  as well as an ergonomic design and needle shield to help patients safely and accurately administer a dose.

Hazel Allen, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist in Hepatology, The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital, said “The Clearclick pen is an easier-to-use device which allows for small incremental changes in treatment titration, making it simpler for patients to get the optimum treatment dose. This is particularly important for harder-to-treat patients, such as those with advanced liver disease, where the right dosage is so important to help minimise the side effects whilst at the same time maximising the chance of response.”

Peginterferon alfa-2b is a once-weekly interferon product. In combination with ribavirin and boceprevir (tritherapy), it is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) genotype 1 infection in adult patients (18 years of age and older) with compensated liver disease who are previously untreated or who have failed previous therapy.

Peginterferon alfa-2b is indicated for the treatment of adult patients (18 years of age and older) with CHC who are positive for hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV-RNA), including patients with compensated cirrhosis and/or co-infected with clinically stable HIV (see section 4.4).

Peginterferon alfa-2b in combination with ribavirin (bitherapy) is indicated for the treatment of CHC infection in adult patients who are previously untreated including patients with clinically stable HIV co-infection and in adult patients who have failed previous treatment with interferon alpha (pegylated or nonpegylated) and ribavirin combination therapy or interferon alpha monotherapy

Peginterferon alfa-2b is indicated in a combination regimen with ribavirin for the treatment of children 3 years of age and older and adolescents, who have chronic hepatitis C, not previously treated, without liver decompensation, and who are positive for HCV-RNA.

ViraferonPeg Clearclick was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in May 2013 and is now available for use in the UK.

Source: http://www.msd-uk.com/