Merck Serono, a division of Germany based Merck, plans to introduce new injection device RebiSlide in Europe and Canada, followed by other countries. RebiSlide is a multidose manual injection pen for the self-administration of Rebif (interferon beta-1a), a disease-modifying drug used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

“RebiSlide is the latest addition to Merck Serono’s range of injection devices for the self-administration of Rebif to meet the needs of patients looking for a compact and multidose device,” said Belén Garijo, Head of Global Operations at Merck Serono. “The introduction of RebiSlide, alongside other innovative devices such as the electronic multidose device RebiSmart and the single-use pre-filled pen RebiDose, underscores our commitment to continuous advancement in multiple sclerosis treatments, by offering patients different administration options to suit their individual needs.”

RebiSlide is a manual multidose injection device for MS therapy and was designed to offer an alternative way of injection for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis looking for a portable and multidose device. RebiSlide uses the multidose cartridges of Rebif containing a week’s supply of Rebif therapy (three doses of 44 micrograms or three doses of 22 micrograms). The device contains a dose window, which allows users to select the dose of injection prescribed, including dose titration (8.8 micrograms or 22 micrograms).

RebiSlide is approved in the European Union, in Australia and in Canada. It was first launched in Hungary and further launches will follow in Italy, Greece and Canada in the next few weeks. In addition to RebiSlide, Rebif can be administered with the delivery devices RebiSmart, RebiDose and Rebiject II or by manual injection using pre-filled syringes. These devices are not available in all countries.

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) is a disease-modifying drug used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and is similar to the interferon beta protein produced by the human body. The efficacy of Rebif in chronic progressive MS has not been established. Interferons are thought to help reduce inflammation. The exact mechanism is unknown. Rebif, which was approved in Europe in 1998 and in the US in 2002, is registered in more than 90 countries worldwide. Rebif has been proven to delay the progression of disability, reduce the frequency of relapses and reduce MRI lesion activity and area. It can either be administrated with the RebiSmart electronic auto-injection device, or with the RebiDose single-use disposable pen, or the manual multidose injection pen RebiSlide. Rebif can also be administered with the autoinjector Rebiject II or by manual injection using ready-to-use pre-filled syringes. These injection devices are not available in all countries.

In January 2012, the European commission approved the extension of the indication of Rebif in early multiple sclerosis. The extension of the indication of Rebif has not been submitted in the United States. Rebif should be used with caution in patients with a history of depression, liver disease and seizures.

Most commonly reported side effects are flu-like symptoms, injection site disorders, elevation of liver enzymes and blood cell abnormalities. Patients, especially those with depression, seizure disorders, or liver problems, should discuss treatment with Rebif with their doctors.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the central nervous system and is the most common, non-traumatic, disabling neurological disease in young adults. While symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms of MS include blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs and problems with strength and coordination. The relapsing forms of MS are the most common.

Merck Serono is the biopharmaceutical division of Merck KGaA. It discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines of both chemical and biological origin in specialist indications.