At Genentech, part of our mission is to help expand access to our medicines by identifying and addressing the barriers that people face when obtaining care across different diseases and communities. A key component of this mission is developing new drug delivery options for our products to better match the needs of those living with chronic health conditions.
For those living with chronic health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or certain types of cancer, receiving treatment can be challenging, and finding a treatment option that works in terms of administration and ease can be a key factor in the treatment decision-making process for patients and their doctors. For decades, intravenous (IV) infusions have been a standard way to deliver certain medications. However, some people with chronic conditions may face challenges to receiving these types of medications, due to factors like their lifestyle preferences or distance to healthcare centers that offer these services. These challenges highlight the urgent need for alternative solutions that meet the individual needs of patients.
At Genentech, we have developed HCP-administered subcutaneous (SC) formulations of our treatments, allowing certain medications to be administered through an injection under the skin—a process that can take minutes. Currently, Genentech and Roche offer 14 SC therapies for various conditions, significantly enhancing treatment accessibility. By developing alternative SC HCP-administered delivery methods for our products, we can help patients by offering further administration options that better match their treatment needs.
Understanding Patient Perspectives From MS to Cancer
Our commitment to understanding patient needs is reflected in our national survey on multiple sclerosis, titled “Unveiling Barriers to the Best Multiple Sclerosis Care.” This survey asked 1,000 people living with MS* and unpaid caregivers of those living with MS in the U.S.† about the barriers associated with MS and its care.
The survey revealed that 9 in 10 (89%) people with MS encountered barriers to accessing the best possible MS care, with the top reported barriers being access to healthcare professionals that people with MS are comfortable with (23%), limited resources on treatment options (23%) and financial limitations (22%). Brittany Q., who lives with MS, highlights the need for more accessible drug delivery methods.
“Access to care has been a big challenge for me. I work in the space. I’m knowledgeable. I’d say I’m privileged because I have a car, cellphone, and Wi-Fi. But even I still deal with challenges in accessing medication,” Brittany shares. “People in smaller communities have to drive up to two hours to see a neurologist. It’s ridiculous. What if you are somebody that struggles with transportation?” Brittany also reflects that healthcare centers offering IV medications are not always nearby. “It’s a consistent obstacle, and it shouldn’t be. It should be the same across the board, and it’s not.”
Despite her knowledge and resources, Brittany faced significant challenges in accessing necessary medications, which led her to become an advocate.
Brittany’s experiences reflect a common issue in many communities where the lack of local specialized care forces patients to travel long distances for treatment, leading to further disparities in healthcare access. Hear more from Brittany here.
In oncology, patients can face similar challenges. Intravenous methods often require longer and more frequent hospital visits, which can be physically and emotionally taxing. Subcutaneous therapies offer significant benefits by enhancing flexibility and empowering choice. For many cancer patients, having treatment options provides patients with the flexibility to save time and choose a treatment that best fits their lives.
Advancing Science and Shared Decision-Making
Our insights from the MS survey and additional oncology data underscore the importance of providing communities with a range of treatment options that support choice and preference. “Every patient is different, and what truly matters is providing treatments that resonate with their individual needs,” says Laura Julian, Senior Medical Director of MS at Genentech. “In a world where we have more than 20 therapies approved for MS, that’s a lot of options for a patient, and it’s a choice that they deserve. But what they deserve even more is a provider who can help narrow those choices to something that makes sense for them.”
In oncology, shared decision-making between oncologists and patients is also crucial. By working in partnership with their healthcare team, patients can better choose their treatment plans based on their specific health needs and preferences. We encourage people living with these conditions and their caregivers to learn more about their available options.
*Ages 18+
†Ages 18+ who provide unpaid care to a friend/family member living with MS
REFERENCES
1 U.S. Government Accountability Office. Why Health Care is Harder to Access in Rural America. Available online at:
https://www.gao.gov/blog/why-health-care-harder-access-rural-america. Accessed on August 24, 2024.
2 Genentech. Data on File. MS Patient Survey.Accessed on September 24, 2024.