Metoject® Subcutaneous Injection Pen for Methotrexate Receives Regulatory Approval as Autoinjector in Japan
Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito) and nippon medac Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Hirohisa Iriyama), a subsidiary of medac Gesellschaft für klinische Spezialpräparate mbH (Headquarters: Germany), jointly announced today that they have received manufacturing and marketing approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for an enhanced formulation of Metoject Subcutaneous Injection, an anti-rheumatic agent delivered via a pen-type autoinjector. This formulation, titled ""Metoject® Subcutaneous Injection 7.5mg Pen 0.15mL, 10mg Pen 0.20mL, 12.5mg Pen 0.25mL, and 15mg Pen 0.30mL,"" incorporates the previously approved Metoject Subcutaneous Injection pre-filled syringe into a more convenient pen-type autoinjector.
The development of this formulation aims to alleviate the burden on patients and enhance safety during self-injection. The pen-type autoinjector allows for easy self-administration in two simple steps: removing the cap and pressing the pen against the skin. Moreover, the built-in needle cover ensures that the needle remains concealed prior to administration and automatically locks after use to prevent accidental skin puncture.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects an estimated 700,000 - 800,000 individuals in Japan, with methotrexate being a primary treatment option. Eisai and nippon medac are dedicated to providing this innovative treatment option to alleviate the challenges faced by rheumatoid arthritis patients. They aim to further contribute to meeting the diverse needs of these patients and enhancing the benefits they receive.
Methotrexate (MTX) serves as a cornerstone drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is believed to regulate cell growth by inhibiting folate metabolism in lymphocytes and other cells, and also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by promoting adenosine synthesis in vascular endothelial cells and other cells within synovial membranes. The Metoject Subcutaneous Injection Pen represents the first self-administerable MTX subcutaneous injection pen-type autoinjector for rheumatoid arthritis in Japan, with approvals in over 16 countries across Europe.