In an effort to help improve patient lives, Advanced Infusion Care (AIC), a division of AIS Healthcare, has embarked on a joint study with Grifols, a leading global provider of essential plasma-derived and transfusion medicines.
AIC and Grifols will research the effects of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) products on people living with primary immune deficiencies (PID).
Over a three-month period, 60 patients, who are beginning their SCIG therapy, will be observed to determine any differences in patient experience and satisfaction with immunoglobulin treatments.
The AIC and Grifols' Satisfaction and Outcomes in Primary Immune Deficiency Patients Study (SOPID) aims to help physicians, pharmacists, and nurses ensure patients living with immunodeficiencies receive the best possible therapy for their medical and lifestyle needs.
Advancing Quality Care Through Robust Research
Over 200 forms of PID affect approximately 500,000 people in the United States, according to data from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. With a documented low incidence of serious adverse effects, SCIG treatment is seen as an effective way to prevent infections for these individuals. SCIG treatment is also easier to administer than other treatments, eliminates the need for vascular access, can be infused at a patient's home, and maintains a steady state of immunoglobulin levels.
Speaking about AIC's decision to conduct the study, Jud Hall, President of AIC, said he was proud to partner with the Grifols' team to conduct a study that will "provide additional insight into how we can better serve individuals living with primary immune deficiencies through SCIG treatment."
"Grifols has an impressive track record of producing innovative, high-quality medicines for patients living with chronic and rare diseases," said Hall. "AIC and Grifols are committed to helping patients fight infections, stay healthy, and receive the highest quality care."
AIC has long been focused on advancing quality care. A recent case study in the National Home Infusion Association's (NHIA) Infusion Journal examined AIC's model for assessing each patient's unique circumstances to guide decisions for immunoglobulin treatment.
Expanding AIC's Research
The case study, coauthored by Amy Mulgrew, Erin Mullis, and Ashley McKenna, detailed the experience of an AIC patient diagnosed with chronic variable immunodeficiency (CVID). The report underscored the importance of considering patient preference when choosing the optimal immune globulin (IG) therapy approach.
"Patients living with primary immunodeficiency deserve individualized treatment options that maximize patient health and quality of life. Our case study highlighted in NHIA's Infusion Journal is a prime example of prioritizing patient-specific needs while also heeding patient choice," said Amy Mulgrew, National Manager of Clinical Education, AIC.
PID and CVID are rare genetic disorders that impair the immune system. For people with these ailments, IG becomes a lifelong therapy that helps them fight infections, stay healthy, and receive care in the comfort of their own homes. In the case study featured in the NHIA Infusion Journal, the AIC patient began intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy and transitioned to SCIG therapy before transitioning back to IVIG for quality-of-life reasons and personal preferences.
The current joint SOPID study aims to build on the work from the NHIA's featured case study to improve physician understanding around how different SCIG products can maximize patient quality of life and provide them with more information as they make decisions and plan long-term treatment strategies.
The Joint Study Taps AIC's Extensive Clinical Care Network
AIC operates a network of 200 nurses in 40 states, focused on delivering patient-specific, in-home infusion services including SCIG treatment.
AIC recently opened a new pharmacy location in Maryland and expanded its nurse specialist offerings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, making AIC's comprehensive suite of medications and team-based approach to SCIG therapy available to patients with complex medical conditions like PID across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
AIS Healthcare and Grifols both have long histories of providing infusion care to people living with immune deficiencies. Founded in 2008, AIS Healthcare is a national leader in providing targeted drug delivery and infusion care while global healthcare company Grifols has helped improve the health and wellbeing of people around the world for more than 75 years.
AIC has offered Grifols infusion therapy Xembify®, a PID treatment for patients two years of age and older, since 2019. The treatment was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on July 3, 2019, and the therapy was launched in the United States in November of that same year.
As with all its patients, AIC's PID patients receive a high level of care including 24/7 access to clinical and support staff. Each patient has a dedicated team of medical and healthcare professionals, including infusion nurse specialists, clinical pharmacists, patient care managers, and intake managers who work together to provide support throughout the treatment process.
AIC is a full-service care delivery partner for physicians holding contracts with multiple immunoglobulin suppliers like Grifols to ensure prescribed therapies are always in stock. The company also works directly with patients, insurance companies, and physician offices.
From this strong and extensive base, the SOPID study aims to build insights that will help all patients living with PID.
