Amgen has announced that the launch of the Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) prefilled SureClick autoinjector for patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia and anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the United States.

"With the availability of the Aranesp prefilled SureClick autoinjector, healthcare providers and patients now have a new secure and simple option that automatically delivers a complete subcutaneous injection in a single use," said Willard Dere, MD, senior vice president for Global Development and chief medical officer at Amgen. "The added safety features of the SureClick autoinjector minimize potential needlestick injuries, offering dependable benefits for nurses, oncologists and nephrologists who administer Aranesp in clinics and hospitals."

The Aranesp prefilled SureClick autoinjector has three important and unique safety features, including a safety cover that limits needle exposure before and after the subcutaneous injection, two audible clicks to announce the beginning and end of the injection, and a large inspection window that confirms it automatically delivered the complete injection. In a survey that included the use of the Aranesp prefilled SureClick autoinjector, most oncology nurses agreed that the device was easy to use.

The centres for disease control and prevention (CDC) estimates that one out of every seven healthcare professionals is accidentally stuck by a contaminated sharp, most often a needle, each year. Approximately 62 to 88 per cent of needlestick injuries can potentially be prevented by the use of safer devices. To reduce these occupational hazards, the CDC has identified eight desirable characteristics for safety devices, and the Aranesp prefilled SureClick autoinjector has at least six of these characteristics.

The FDA approval of the Aranesp prefilled SureClick autoinjector broadens current administration options for healthcare providers and patients with anaemia associated with chemotherapy and CKD. There are now three administration options for Aranesp: single-use SureClick autoinjector, SingleJect prefilled syringes and prefilled vials. This wide range of delivery options allows healthcare professionals to select the option that best meets their needs and their patients' and staffs' needs. The Aranesp prefilled SureClick autoinjector will be available in clinics, hospitals and retail pharmacies, along with the other currently available administration options. Additionally, the Aranesp prefilled SureClick autoinjector will be offered at the same price as the other administration methods.

The Aranesp prefilled SureClick autoinjector, which was approved in the European Union in 2005 for patients with chemotherapy-induced anaemia and anaemia associated with CKD, has been delivered to approximately 500,000 patients to date.