Excellence in Creating Value Beyond the Product

Summary of work

PCSK9-inhibitors (PCSK9i) are a new class of lipid-lowering biologics for hypercholesterolaemia patients uncontrolled on statins and at risk of cardiovascular events.

Adherence was likely to be a key challenge for this new class of drugs, given their fortnightly subcutaneous administration in this asymptomatic indication, versus the once-daily oral regimen for statins.

Amgen wished to launch a patient support programme (PSP) for its new PCSK9i, Repatha®. Its aim - to deliver value beyond the drug and support optimal adherence; critical in supporting successful commercialisation of Repatha in the UK.

On Path is a unique multichannel PSP based on health psychology principles developed by Atlantis Healthcare for Amgen. It supports successful treatment initiation and promotes persistence. The programme provides tools to upskill patients to better self-manage their condition. Patients set health-related goals and are supported by a personal nurse coach to support proactive self-management.

On Path has had a positive impact on treatment persistence, confidence in treatment administration and reduction in injection concerns, exemplifying patients’ positive first experience with Repatha and successful initiation. Patients have also indicated a high degree of satisfaction with the programme experience overall. The service has been successfully adopted by the NHS and integrated into the patient pathway.

Judges' comments

This programme was well-developed, demonstrating an example of good practice for the industry, which should be followed by others. The team delivered a strong behavioural basis in programme development and engagement. We really enjoyed reading this submission and the team should be commended for their work.