Avonex Pen (Avonex 30mcg/0.5ml solution for injection, in pre-filled pen) is a single-use, once-a-week, intramuscular autoinjector which includes a protective injector shield that conceals the needle prior to injection, automated needle insertion and medication delivery, and a diameter and length designed to stabilize Avonex Pen during the injection procedure
The EC’s approval was given on the basis of the results from a Phase 3b open-label, multicenter study which demonstrated safety and efficacy of Avonex Pen.
The study showed 89% overall success rate in MS patients using Avonex Pen.
Biogen Idec designed Avonex Pen to improve convenience of Avonex administration by simplifying the injection, helping to reduce injection anxiety and supporting patient independence.
It integrates the currently approved Avonex Prefilled Syringe and utilizes a 25 gauge 16mm (5/8 inch) needle.
The needle was specifically created for Avonex Pen to be shorter than the needle in the Avonex Prefilled Syringe.
Biogen Idec will begin making the Avonex Pen available in countries across Europe very soon.