Sandoz launches new device for its biosimilar somatropin

Generics and biosimilars Initiative

Building trust in cost-effective treatments

Inscribirse
eng / esp

Sandoz launches new device for its biosimilar somatropin

INICIO/Noticias Farmacéuticas | Posted 27/09/2013 0 Post your comment

Sandoz, the generic drug division of Swiss drug giant Novartis, announced on 23 September 2013 the launch of a new delivery device for its biosimilar somatropin product (Omnitrope) in the UK.

The device, called SurePal, aims to simplify the administration of the human growth hormone (hGH) by using cartridges that require no reconstitution or priming, and a sliding injection button that requires minimum force to operate. It also includes safety features including non-interchangeable dose-specific cartridges, a dose memory function that remembers the patient’s daily dose and a needle hider to reduce anxiety for patients afraid of needles.

In a usability study conducted by Sandoz in 106 patients in Germany and the US, 92% of respondents found an injection with SurePal very easy or easy to accomplish.

According to Mr Peter Laing, Paediatric Advanced Nurse Practitioner Endocrinology, Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, ‘patients treated with growth hormone therapy require an injection of hGH on a daily basis which requires significant commitment from the individual, parent or primary caregiver. Therefore, ease of use and simplicity of the growth hormone device combined with features of added patient safety are essential to ensure good treatment outcomes’.

The new device, being a Sandoz innovation, will only be available for use with the company’s biosimilar somatropin product, Omnitrope. Sandoz also intends to launch the product globally.

Related articles

EMA approves biosimilar follitropin alfa and somatropin

Sandoz to start phase III etanercept trial

Permission granted to reproduce for personal and non-commercial use only. All other reproduction, copy or reprinting of all or part of any ‘Content’ found on this website is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of the publisher. Contact the publisher to obtain permission before redistributing.

Source: Sandoz