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. 2023 Jun 5;19(3):303–313. doi: 10.2174/1573397118666220829123713

Table 2.

Crossover/sequential trials comparing ISP intensity and other ISRs between biologics administered using CF and CC formulations.

Refer-
ences
Article Type Study Design Country Sample Size Indication Interventions and Formulations Clinical Outcomes at Injection Site ISP: Key Results ISRs: Key Results Key Conclusion Outcome ISP Outcome ISRs
Nash
et al. 2016 [26]
Full text Two randomi-
zed, single-blind, two period crossover studies
Multi-country 125 RA Adalimumab (CC)
Adalimumab (CF)
Mean pain VAS score
% mild/severe pain
% unspecified reactions
Pooled VAS score
CC: 3.7 cm;
CF: 1.2 cm;
Diff: -2.5 cm,
95% CI -3.0 to -2.0,
p < 0.001
Mild pain (pooled)
CC: 42.6%; CF: 86.9% Severe pain (pooled)
CC: 13.9%; CF: 1.6%
Unspecified reactions CC: 0.0% (study 1), 0.0% (study 2)
CF: 0.0% (study 1), 3.3% (study 2)
The citrate-free adalimumab formulation was well tolerated and associated with less injection site pain than the citrate-containing adalimumab formulation. Signif. positive for CF Balanced
Muñoz
et al. 2018 [25]
Abstract Open-label, single-arm, sequential trial Un-known 27 Psoriasis, spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, PsA Adalimumab (CC)
Adalimumab (CF)
Mean pain VAS score VAS score
Diff: −3.0 cm,
95% CI -4.2 to −1.9,
p<0.001
The auto-injection pen with citrate-free buffer was reported as superior to pre-filled syringe with citrate-containing buffer in terms of perceived injection site pain intensity. Signif. positive for CF NA

Abbreviations: CC, citrate-containing; CF, citrate-free; ISE, injection site erythema; ISP, injection site pain; ISR, injection site reaction; PsA, psoriatic arthritis; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; VAS, Visual Analogue Scale. Significant results were stated as reported in the respective publication; results were interpreted as balanced if the per cent difference between CF and CC formulation outcomes was <5.0%.