What's Happening?
A recent study has assessed patient satisfaction with the self-administration of guselkumab using the One-Press device in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Conducted across 10 dermatology
centers in Portugal, the study involved 101 patients over a 52-week period. The Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ) was used to evaluate the device's acceptability, focusing on aspects such as self-confidence, satisfaction with self-injection, and ease of use. Results showed a significant increase in the mean SIAQ score from baseline to week 20, indicating an improved self-injection experience. Additionally, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores improved significantly, with 70.8% of patients achieving a DLQI score of 0/1 by week 52. The study also reported that 91% of patients achieved an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0/1, indicating 'clear' or 'almost clear' skin. Adverse events were mostly mild and related to localized injection-site reactions.
Why It's Important?
This study is significant as it provides real-world data on the use of guselkumab, a selective IL-23 inhibitor, for treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The findings suggest that the One-Press device is well-received by patients, which could lead to increased adherence to treatment regimens. Improved patient satisfaction and quality of life scores highlight the potential for this self-administration method to enhance patient outcomes. The high percentage of patients achieving clear skin underscores the effectiveness of guselkumab, which could influence treatment protocols and patient management strategies in dermatology. The study's results may also encourage healthcare providers to consider self-administration devices as a viable option for patients, potentially reducing the need for frequent clinical visits.
What's Next?
The study's findings could prompt further research into self-administration devices for other biologic treatments, potentially expanding their use in dermatological and other medical fields. Healthcare providers may begin to integrate these devices into standard care practices, particularly for patients who prefer or require more autonomy in managing their treatment. Additionally, the positive outcomes could lead to increased insurance coverage and support for self-administration devices, making them more accessible to a broader patient population. Ongoing monitoring of long-term patient outcomes and adverse events will be crucial to ensure the continued safety and efficacy of guselkumab self-administration.
