Assisting Compliance Through Ease of Use

The drive for high-quality packaging has helped manufacturers focus on increasing consistency of performance in devices such as auto-injector and patch injection systems. In addition, there is an increased focus on providing drug delivery systems that are easy to use. A consistent quality of components can help to improve performance and ensure delivery in the home environment, while user-centric systems can help assist with compliance.

Systems that enable patients to control the rate of the dose, offer options for those with dexterity challenges and provide an easy-to-use option for home injection are ideal for home use. West’s SelfDose^® injection system technology platform* is provided by West to the pharmaceutical partner to be combined with their specific drug product packaged in a 1mL long prefilled syringe. The system has been designed as a two-step operation where the patient simply removes the cap and presses the system against the skin to deliver a subcutaneous injection. Audible, visual and tactile end-of-dose indicators, as well as a passive safety system that covers the needle after injection, ease the drug delivery process for patients with dexterity challenges.

Patient-activated and controlled systems like the SelfDose system assist with compliance since the systems are not indicative of a syringe injection, which may be less frightening for the patient. Thus compliance may be easier and the therapy more successful for those with needle phobias. In addition, the patient can self-inject, which offers the possibility of alternative dose frequencies to help aid with comfort and preference. In addition, patient-activated and controlled systems do not rely on complicated mechanics (spring activation, etc.), which can help to shorten the development time needed to pair the device with a drug.

For more information about SelfDose, click here.

SelfDose™ is a trademark of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or its subsidiaries, in the United States and other jurisdictions.