UCB/OXO Cimzia® Prefilled Syringe:
More Good Days!

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Cimzia® is an innovative biological medication that can greatly alleviate the symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis. UCB, the global pharmaceutical leader, took years to develop the medication which patients can self-administer through injection. UCB recognized that existing syringes presented challenges for patients with limited dexterity, so they partnered with OXO, the company behind the Good Grips line of products that make everyday living easier through design. As OXO’s long-time design partner, Smart Design led the effort to re-design the Cimzia® prefilled syringe, a new delivery device for this vital drug treatment.

The team spent time with a variety of patients to understand the challenges of monthly self-injection. The resulting design is the first ever syringe designed for patients with arthritis, and it offers patients more control during the process by empowering them instead of reminding them of their illness. The nonslip finger grip allows the syringe to be held steadily in various positions; a finger loop on the needle shield makes it easier to remove the cap and helps prevent accidental needle sticks; an oversized plunger rod and a large rubberized thumb pad make it easy to push the plunger; and a clear oval syringe barrel assists initial needle placement and magnifies the plunger rod to improve visibility.

The result is a re-invention of the age-old syringe that allows patients to exert 48% more force than with a traditional syringe, increasing the number of RA patients able to self-administer. Overall, there was measurable improvement in patient experience in 18 out of 18 criteria. Enthusiastically received at its recent launch, the new Cimzia® prefilled syringe has received the “Ease-of-Use Commendation” from the Arthritis Foundation.