FDA Grants Approval of myBETAapp, BETACONNECT Navigator for Relapsing-Remitting MS

The FDA recently approved a biologics license application for myBETAapp and the BETACONNECT Navigator software.

The Bayer products are designed to help patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) keep track of their interferon beta-1b (Betaseron) injections, according to a press release.

Patients who use the electronic BETACONNECT auto-injector to administer interferon beta-1b can use Bluetooth to connect their auto-injector to myBETAapp on either their cellphone or computer.

The connection allows patients to share their injection data with their BETA nurse and health care team so they can provide proactive support.

“Since introducing the firsts FDA-approved treatment option for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients more than 2 decades ago, we’ve listened closely to the community to understand their needs and how we can support them,” Mark Rametta, DO, FACOI, FACP, medical director for Neurology at Bayer, said in the release. “The myBETAapp and BETACONNECT Navigator add to the services that we’ve developed based on patient feedback, including 24/7 access to nurse support and the first and only electronic auto-injector for patients taking BETASERON.”

Patients who use other injection methods can also manually enter injection information into the myBETAapp to share data with their BETA Nurse and health care team.

“The myBETAapp and BETACONNECT Navigator work cohesively together to support communication and connection between people living with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and their BETA Nurse and health care team,” Daniel Kantor, MD, FAAN, President Emeritus, Florida Society of Neurology, said in a release.

The app will be available for free download in the Apple app store, Google Play, or Betaseron.com in mid-July.

Interferon beta-1b was granted FDA approval in 1999 to help reduce the number or relapses in patients with v. Serious adverse events include yellowing of eyes, itchy skin, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, nausea or vomiting, bruising easily, or bleeding problems.

Patients should not take interferon beta-1b if they are allergic to interferon beta-1b, to another interferon beta, to human albumin, or mannitol.