Usability and Acceptance of Autoinjector and Prefilled Syringe Devices by Patients with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis in a Human Factors Study
INTRODUCTION: Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness. This human factors (HF) validation study aimed to demonstrate that use of a prefilled syringe with needle safety device (PFS-SD) or autoinjector (AI) is safe and effective for patients with gMG, caregivers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) to administer injectable medication in the intended use environments without preventable use errors. METHODS: Patients with gMG, caregivers, and HCPs were randomized to the PFS-SD or AI. No training on either device use was provided. The safety and usability of both devices were assessed using simulated use scenarios, knowledge-based questions, and participant feedback. RESULTS: The simulated use scenario was successfully completed by 94% and 96% of participants using the PFS-SD and AI, respectively, while 90% and 87% of participants, respectively, successfully administered their assigned dose. Device acceptability was reported by 93% and 100% of patient participants for the PFS-SD and AI, respectively. CONCLUSION: This HF validation study demonstrated that the PFS-SD and AI are safe and effective for use by patients with gMG, caregivers, and HCPs in the intended use environments.
Authors
- Kelly Gwathmey (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7589-8826)
- Christina Laskar
- Joe Koo
- Sanjay Rakhade
- Jason Murray
- Scott Laorr
- Emmett Alton Sartor (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7058-7490)
- J. T. Tibung
- Panru Jing
Institutions
- Virginia Commonwealth University (US)
- Insight (China) (CN)
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals (United States) (US)
- AstraZeneca (Switzerland) (CH)
- AstraZeneca (United States) (US)
- Alexion Pharma (Switzerland) (CH)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Advances in Therapy
- Published
- 2026-06-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-026-03663-8
- Primary Topic
- Myasthenia Gravis and Thymoma
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- AstraZeneca
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals