RealHOPE - establishing a knowledge base for real-world handling of protein drugs to improve processes and education

Introduction: Protein medications have dramatically improved the lives of people with conditions such as diabetes (eg insulin) and hypercholesterolaemia (eg evolocumab, alirocumab). Not enough is currently understood about the real-world handling of protein medications and the implications of this. The 4 year IMI RealHOPE programme aims to build knowledge and improve the real-world handling of protein drugs.

Methods: The goals of RealHOPE are to:
• understand real-life handling of protein drugs, by generating, collecting, and analysing qualitative and quantitative data
• develop tools and methods for simulation of real-life events that mimic the effects on drug product quality.
• develop new technologies for safer handling of protein drugs at hospital pharmacies.
• create educational materials for healthcare providers and patients to improve the safety and handling of protein drugs.

Results: RealHOPE has already identified areas of real-world protein medication handling where improvements in processes or education could be valuable. For example, many patients report issues when travelling with their medications. Targeted educational materials for pharmacists, nurses and patients are in development. A study using smart labels to monitor the handling of protein medications by patients is in progress in Dundee. 

Conclusion: RealHOPE will address important real-world issues in the handling of protein medications and disseminate knowledge and educational materials to improve handling in future.