Ipsen invests in new autoinjector made with Phillips-Medisize

Ipsen will invest in a new electronic autoinjector for Somatuline Autogel / Somatuline Depot (lanreotide), to deliver further innovation in the class with the aim of improving administration and the injection experience for patients. 

The new device will be made in collaboration with Phillips-Medisize, drug delivery design, development, and manufacturing solutions specialists, and will be accompanied by enhanced investment in Ipsen’s Signes manufacturing site in France. This step further builds on Ipsen’s 20 years’ experience with Somatuline Autogel / Somatuline Depot, with today’s announcement marking the fourth generation of devices for its administration.

Despite advances in technology, real-world evidence suggests people living with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours or acromegaly often still experience pain and discomfort when receiving injections. The enhanced delivery system will improve the patient experience through administration of Somatuline Autogel / Somatuline Depot via its motorised device comprised of a re-usable electronic injector and a disposable cartridge with significantly thinner injection needle allowing for a controlled and sustained injection. The new device aims to further improve the injection experience, especially for caregivers and eligible patients who may choose independent administration of Somatuline Autogel, for example at home.

Ipsen’s extensive experience with Somatuline Autogel / Somatuline Depot has offered deep insights into the challenges of living with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, carcinoid syndrome or acromegaly. Advances in administration are important as they have the potential to help ease the physical challenges of treatment for the patient, caregiver, and their healthcare team, especially for patients who are on long-term treatment regimens.

Steven Hildemann M.D. PhD, executive vice president, chief medical officer, head of global medical affairs and patient safety, said: “Ipsen has continued to innovate in patient-friendly devices for the administration of Somatuline Autogel / Somatuline Depot and today’s news signals our unrelenting commitment to further improving the injection experience for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. We remain focused on improving an already compelling device, to better address the needs of people living with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, carcinoid syndrome or acromegaly.”

Studies evaluating the performance and the safety of the new device are ongoing. A study assessing injection-site pain and device safety is expected to start in the first half of 2023 and will evaluate patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction. Details of this study will be available on clinicaltrials.gov shortly once the selected centres have been finalised in H2 2022, with the new device anticipated to reach the first patients in 2024. The overall investment in the development of the new device and enhanced allocation to the Ipsen Signes manufacturing site is around €60 million.