Bayer to introduce new needle for multiple sclerosis treatment in US

According to the company, this needle will be the thinnest needle of any injectable disease-modifying therapy for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The needle is said to be as thin as those commonly used for insulin and pediatric injections.

The needle has already been successfully introduced in more than 17 European countries and Canada, said Bayer. In a study in Europe, Betaferon patients using the 30-gauge needle reported more than 50% of their injections were pain-free immediately after injection. The thinnest, 30-gauge needle will be introduced in the US with an optional autoinjector called Betaject Lite, the company said.

Hans Bishop, head of specialty medicine at Bayer Schering Pharma, said: “Betaferon is a an effective well-tolerated treatment for people with relapsing forms of MS, as well as those with the earliest signs of the disease. Introducing the thinnest needle of any MS treatment in the US is another important step in our commitment to make it easier for people with MS to start therapy and continue using it.”