Schering-Plough’s survey shows RA sufferers want improved medication

Schering-Plough’s commissioned research has revealed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sufferers would be willing to try new products to manage their condition if they were developed to be patient-friendly.

Over 500 people with the illness in Europe and Canada were questioned for the Rheumatoid Arthritis: Insights, Strategies & Expectations (RAISE) survey.

Pain was the main symptom indicated by 79 per cent of respondents, followed by 67 per cent who felt fatigue was the worst effect and then joint stiffness, which was the prime problem for 57 per cent.

Dr Iain McInnes from the University of Glasgow explained the condition is a “debilitating disease” that can have a great impact on the sufferer’s life.

“More than half of the surveyed patients feel that their lives are controlled by their ? [RA] symptoms, demonstrating a clear need for more effective treatment options for these sufferers,” he noted.

Some 76 per cent of respondents said they would like new medication to be designed to work consistently, 75 per cent indicated a once-monthly administration would be beneficial, 69 per cent stated simple instructions were important and 66 per cent wanted an easier auto-injector.

With around 55,000 employees worldwide, Schering-Plough’s headquarters are in Kenilworth, England.