Merck Serono receives FDA approval for easypod

Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, has announced that its US affiliate EMD Serono has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its easypod device.

The easypod is a delivery system for the administration of Saizen [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] – a treatment for growth hormone deficiency.

Designed in consultation with both patients and healthcare professionals, EMD Serono has illustrated that the easypod is the first device of its kind in its therapeutic area.

Fereydoun Firouz, chief executive office and president of EMD Serono, confirmed that the easypod was an example of the company’s commitment to technology “designed to answer unmet patient and caregiver needs”.

He added: “In today’s high-technology world, it is necessary to continue to innovate by developing delivery systems with easy-to-use settings and real-time data that empower patients and healthcare professionals to help improve patient care.”

Consultation in the development of easypod involved a survey of patients and caregivers in how to improve delivery systems for growth hormone therapy.

The device was consequently designed to help patients administer daily injection reliably in three simple key steps.

Also this week, Merck Serono submitted a European marketing authorisation application for sapropterin as a treatment for Hyperphenylalaninemia.