Subcutaneous Pen Formulation FDA Approval

Pamela Kunz, MD: The FDA recently approved the octreotide acetate pen in January. To my knowledge, this is not is not yet available, but it has been FDA approved. This is a short-acting octreotide in the form of a pen, which is a slightly different injection tool from using a syringe and needle as is currently used for octreotide in the short-acting form. Again, it’s not available yet, so it’s not something I have thought about in my treatment bucket, or the tools I use for patients.

I would also need to see a bit more data on cost, quality of life, and whether this is easier for patients to use than with a standard syringe and needle. It is interesting to see these new formulations coming out, but I think we need a bit more data to see if it will yet change how we’re treating patients.

During the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of patients and providers have been asking about ways to limit patients’ interaction or contact with the health care system. One question is what, if any, role this new octreotide acetate pen would play in that and in potential second waves of this pandemic? As of now, this octreotide acetate pen does not replace the long-acting octreotide. This is still a short-acting formulation, so patients using long-acting somatostatin analogues for tumor control will still need to get their long-acting shots.

For patients who have carcinoid syndrome or a functional neuroendocrine tumor and need short-acting octreotide for breakthrough symptoms or to manage their symptoms, this could play a role. If the cost is comparable, the pen proves easier to use, and there are data to suggest those, plus quality-of-life benefits, I’m open to using this for patients. We just need a bit more information.

Transcript Edited for Clarity