Amgen (NSDQ:AMGN) announced today the U.S. launch of its Enbrel Mini single-dose prefilled cartridges, which are delivered using a reusable AutoTouch auto-injector.
The drug-device combination was designed with a needle that stays hidden during injection and a sensor to detect placement on the skin.
Amgen’s latest product uses a new drug formulation of Enbrel, an injectable biologic approved for patients with chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The new formulation is associated with less injection site pain compared to the current formulation, Amgen reported.
“As a leader in the inflammation space, we continually strive to innovate to address real needs among the patients we serve. The first step in this is talking and listening to the community, both patients and healthcare professionals, to fully understand the challenges they are facing,” Dr. Sean Harper, Amgen’s EVP of R&D, said in prepared remarks.
“These conversations highlighted the value of features that we believe enhance the patient experience. From there, the Enbrel Mini with AutoTouch and the new formulation, were born.”
The drug-device combo was approved by the FDA in September this year.
