MTX PEN with Ypsomed’s YpsoMate 1.0
Methotrexate is frequently used in the treatment of certain autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Subcutaneous application presents considerable advantages over oral administration.
Medac has selected our buttonless autoinjector as the successor model to their previous MTX PEN, enhancing the ease of injection for patients. Comprehensive market research was performed to understand users’ needs and determine the most relevant features for the new device.
Use of methotrexate
Methotrexate (MTX) is used for the treatment of several autoimmune conditions characterised by chronic inflammation, such as active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), moderate to severe psoriasis vulgaris, severe psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. For these conditions, subcutaneous administration allows patients to self-inject at home after a brief training, saving them from weekly visits to the doctor’s office. This method enhances patients’ quality of life and improves bioavailability and clinical efficacy at higher doses of MTX than oral administration. Additionally, subcutaneous administration reduces gastrointestinal side effects and enhances adherence and persistence.
Advantages of autoinjectors – YpsoMate 1.0
The self-injection of MTX using an autoinjector can significantly enhance patient satisfaction, preference, and potentially adherence. At Ypsomed, we recognised the importance of medac in offering an improved device to increase patient satisfaction. A key focus for Medac was to simplify the injection process, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with restricted hand movement. Other critical considerations included preventing accidental needle stick injuries, reducing needle phobia, and improving the perception of pain during injection. In response to these needs, medac has chosen Ypsomed’s YpsoMate 1.0, featuring a simplified 2-step injection technology to meet these requirements effectively.
Market research offers insight into patients’ preferences – YpsoMate
Medac conducted a multi-step market research study involving 570 participants from three countries to gain insights into customer needs regarding the new MTX PEN. There was a particular interest in obtaining feedback from different user groups. Therefore, rheumatism and psoriasis patients, rheumatologists, and dermatologists were included in the study. Nurses specialising in rheumatism also played an important role, as they often trained and educated patients and could contribute important aspects of self-application.
Most important features of the new MTX PEN
Based on the market research results, the most important criteria for the new MTX PEN were defined. Key features identified included the 2-step mechanism, small injection volume, availability in different dosages, and a maximum short injection time of five seconds. 90 % of participants indicated they would likely use the new pre-filled MTX PEN. This demonstrates that the Ypsomed device fulfills all the essential criteria and has the ideal product constellation to satisfy users’ needs.
