- New formulation of MS medicine will reduce patient injections by almost 60%
- Text service available to remind patients when medication should be taken
Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly refining established medicines to better synch with patient lifestyles.
From April 1, 2015 a new formulation of Copaxone, used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) for 22 years and produced by Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland, will be available to Irish patients.
Copaxone is currently administered by patients themselves as a daily injection, however with the new Copaxone formulation, these injections will be reduced to 3 days a week. The existing daily (7 days) Copaxone formulation will also continue to be available to patients, if they so wish.
The three-times-a-week Copaxone 40mg will allow adults with RMS to have a less frequent and more convenient dosage routine. The new formulation reduces the total number of injections by almost 60 percent, while maintaining all of the benefits of the once daily dosage of Copaxone 20mg.
While patients using the new formulation are advised to inject at least 48 hours apart, the three-times-a-week dosage means that patients could inject Monday, Wednesday and Friday, leaving weekends injection free.
Teva is also proactively embracing technology to make patients’ adherence to their medication routine much easier. Patients will now be able to avail of an opt-in text service, which will message patients reminding them when it is time to take their medication.
Sandra Gannon, General Manager of Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland said: “While Coxapone has been an established and recognised medicine in the treatment of RMS for many years, we are committed to improving our medicines and ensuring they better meet patient needs. Giving patients’ greater choice in how they manage their condition such as administering their injections on a daily basis or doing so only three times a week is just one example of this commitment’.
Ava Battles, Chief Executive of MS Ireland said: ‘Giving people living with MS greater choice and flexibility in their treatment is extremely important in assisting and improving the management of their condition. Any innovation which can make the management of their condition more convenient will be welcomed by people with MS.’
Professor Niall Tubridy, Neurologist at St Vincent’s Hospital said: ‘The introduction of the 40mg /ml solution of Copaxone is a welcome addition to the therapeutic options for people with relapsing remitting MS. The efficacy and tolerability appear equivalent to that of the established daily injections but the thrice weekly schedule will be a great help to patients on Copaxone and providing them with the option of four injection-free days. Fewer injections may also help increase compliance in the longer term.’
Marguerite Duggan, MS Nurse Specialist at St Vincent’s Hospital said: ‘MS is a condition which must be actively managed, so it is important that treatment can be as convenient as possible and can fit into a patient’s existing lifestyle. The need for less injections will make a real difference to people with MS. The reminder text service is also a further positive for MS patients who may be on a complicated regimen of medication providing them with a helpful hand in adhering to their treatment’.
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