A new device for the reconstitution of factor VIII (FVIII) in patients with hemophilia A may yield improvements in adherence to and satisfaction with prophylactic treatment, according to a study published in Patient Preference and Adherence.
Hemophilia prophylaxis typically involves reconstitution of FVIII, a complex procedure that can discourage patients from adhering to treatment. The FuseNGO (Pfizer), a FVIII reconstitution device with a dual-chamber syringe, may offer a solution that decreases the time and effort required to administer prophylactic treatment.
In this observational, longitudinal pilot study, 84 patients with hemophilia A began using the FuseNGO device in place of their prior FVIII treatment method. Patients underwent a baseline visit and a follow-up visit no more than 12 months apart. Patients also completed 5 questionnaires regarding ease of use of the device, treatment satisfaction and adherence, and patient wellbeing. These surveys were administered at the follow-up visit with the exception of the HemoPREF, which was administered at both visits.
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Overall, patients demonstrated high rates of treatment satisfaction and adherence. Scores on the HemoPREF improved from baseline, with significant increases in the percentage of positive responses to all questions about ease of use (P <.05). Patients also indicated high rates of satisfaction with effectiveness and convenience of the device, with nearly all scores approaching or exceeding 90%.
Most patients reported adherence of at least 70%, and 65% of patients reported that hemophilia A did not significantly affect their lives while using this device. All adverse effects were of mild to moderate intensity, and no adverse effects were found to be associated with FuseNGO usage.
The authors also noted that the time needed to assemble the device decreased from a median of 11 minutes at baseline to 6 minutes at follow-up.
The authors concluded that the FuseNGO was linked to easier preparation and usage compared with patients’ previously used devices and suggested that “the device has the potential to increase adherence to therapy and, possibly, reduce healthcare costs.”
Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Pfizer. For a full list of disclosures, please refer to the original study.
Reference
1. Di Minno G, Santagostino E, Morfini M, et al. Patient satisfaction and acceptability of an on-demand and on-prophylaxis device for factor VIII delivery in patients with hemophilia A [published online January 31, 2019]. Patient Prefer Adherence. doi: 10.2147/PPA.S175254
