Abstract: TH-PO0473
Patient Perceptions of Injectable Therapies Among Adults with IgAN: A Qualitative Study
Session Information
- Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Therapeutics Research - IgAN
October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Glomerular Diseases
- 1402 Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Therapeutics
Authors
- Iff, Joel, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Mellor, Richard, RTI Health Solutions Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
- Nair, Rajeshwari, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Maski, Manish, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Lin, Wei, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Liu, Jiaxuan, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Wu, Ching-Heng, RTI Health Solutions Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
- Poulos, Christine M., RTI Health Solutions Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Background
Newer disease-modifying B-cell therapies in Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) differ with respect to dosing and administration. This study sought to understand patient perceptions about dosing and administration related attributes likely to influence patients’ treatment choices in IgAN.
Methods
Semi-structured 1:1 virtual interviews were conducted with 25 adults in the US who self-reported biopsy-verified IgAN. Participants were required to have taken angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin II receptor blockers for at least 3 months and were excluded if they had a history or current diagnosis of end stage kidney failure, dialysis, kidney transplant, or participation in IgAN trials. The interviews elicited perceptions of dosing and administration attributes of newer therapies (injection device – [autoinjector/prefilled syringe], treatment frequency, injection time, drug volume, preparation steps, and injection site reactions). Interview transcripts were analyzed using directed content analysis.
Results
The mean age of the 25 participants was 40.9 years (SD 9.7). Participants reported an overwhelming preference for autoinjectors (88.0%) over prefilled syringes, citing reduced needle visibility, lower perceived risk of administration errors, and greater confidence. Patients expressed anxiety with the prefilled syringe, as the needle is visible with the prefilled syringe but not with the autoinjector. Patients referenced the need for pinching the skin with a prefilled syringe; “The idea of like squeezing my skin, sticking it in as far as it can go. That’s just not a good image.” Patients also discussed the potential for administration errors; “It’s hard to imagine how far they would need to go in... Whereas I feel like the autoinjector… it seems like it’s pretty straightforward how far it goes in.” Additionally, patients cited greater confidence with an autoinjector due to factors such as auditory confirmation; “The clicks is helpful. It guides you through the process. The other one, not really. There’s no click or anything on the other one.”
Conclusion
Patients with IgAN reported a high preference for autoinjectors over prefilled syringes (88.0%) due to reduced needle visibility, less potential for administration errors, and confidence with administering the injection. These findings highlight that reducing dosing and administration burden may influence treatment choice.
Funding
- Commercial Support – This study was performed under a research contract between Vertex Pharmaceuticals and RTI Health Solutions and was funded by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.