The company says RebiSmart is the first device of its kind in this indication and was specifically designed for ease of use.

RebiSmart is used with Rebif multidose cartridges each containing one week's worth of medicine. Interactive, on-screen instructions and signals guide patients through the injection process. Individually adjustable comfort settings give patients more flexibility with injection duration and depth, helping minimise discomfort and pain.

"Making injection more comfortable for the patient is important to ensure optimal treatment outcomes in multiple sclerosis," said Dr Virginia Devonshire, assistant professor of neurology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. "The first electronic injection device in MS is an innovative approach and could contribute to increasing patient adherence to therapy."

RebiSmart records the date, time and dosage of each injection so that an accurate history of dosing can be viewed and discussed with the patient, allowing doctors to monitor and improve patient adherence to therapy. The dose history can be downloaded and viewed on a personal computer.