FDA Approves BETACONNECT Autoinjector for BETASERON Delivery

Bayer HealthCare is pleased to announce the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the approval of BETACONNECT, a first-of-its-kind electronic autoinjector indicated as a treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). For now, the drug delivery device is only compatible with BETASERON® (interferon beta-1b), and will soon be available come early 2016.  While BETASERON is not a cure for multiple sclerosis, it has been proven to be a reliable agent in controlling symptom flare ups of the disease. All a patient will have to do is prepare the BETASERON syringes provided in the medication pack and use BETACONNECT for a more convenient and effective delivery.

“Bayer has a long legacy of supporting and providing services for the RRMS community. BETASERON was the first disease-modifying therapy approved by the FDA to treat RRMS patients, and today we are pleased to offer the first and only electronic auto injector for those living with the disease,” said Klaus Marten, the company’s vice president and general manager of Neurology, in a press release.

The idea for BETACONNECT came from the feedback of both MS patients and their caregivers. By using an autoinjector, patients can adjust the speed and depth of the injection, and deliver their medication with a simple push of a button. The device also employs visual and audio cues to let the patient know the injection is complete, and helps enhance medication compliance with a reminder feature for the patient’s next dose.

“Offering new options to individuals with MS to help manage their disease is important since ‘one size does not fit all’ when considering MS treatment,” said Douglas Franklin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

“Injectables are an important therapeutic option for RRMS and the FDA approval of BETACONNECT represents an important step that gives patients the ability to tailor certain aspects of their injections,” said Amy Perrin Ross, APN, MSN, CNRN, MSCN, past president of the International Organization of MS Nurses.

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