The move follows a positive opinion by the European Medicine's Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP).
The committee recommended the use of Cimzia AutoClicks Prefilled Pen in all approved indications (rheumatoid arthritis, active psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis [AS] and axial spondyloarthritis [axSpA]).
The positive opinion was based on validated data and risk benefit analysis for the AutoClicks Prefilled Pen.
UCB designed the self-injection device in collaboration with patients and Good Grips.
The product has been designed keeping in mind the hand disability of a patient and it has a button-free delivery system with a wide non-slip grip. The device also has a large window which shows whether the injection has been administered or not.
It also shows whether the injection has been correctly administered with two clicks. This double click, ensures that the patients administers medicine confidently.
Royal Devon & Exeter Foundation Trust consultant rheumatologist Ravik Mascarenhas said: "I see many patients whose joints have been destroyed by this painful disease so having a new choice is welcomed.
“Like most of us they also tend to find it a challenge self-injecting because of a needle – with this new pre-filled pen the patient doesn't even see the needle which may take some of the nerves and fear away."
In the UK, presently the monthly cost to the NHS for treating a patient with certolizumab pegol AutoClicks Prefilled Pen at price of £715 (2 treatments doses of 200mg).
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society chief executive Ailsa Bosworth, who was diagnosed with RA 30 years ago, said: "It is difficult for people who do not suffer from this disease to understand just how challenging doing the ordinary things in daily life can be, more so for those with painful and swollen joints.
“Trying to grip an everyday object such as a kitchen gadget can cause immense pain. So we welcome any innovation that can help make the lives of RA patients more comfortable while they manage their condition."
