Patient and caregiver experiences with a patient-support program for setmelanotide treatment of patients with Bardet–Biedl syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Background Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare genetic disease caused by impaired cilium function and characterized by a plethora of symptoms, including hyperphagia and early-onset obesity, that negatively affect patient and caregiver quality of life. Here, we assessed real-world patient expectations and experiences before and during treatment with setmelanotide, a melanocortin-4 receptor agonist shown to reduce hunger and body weight in patients with BBS. Methods An online survey was conducted to capture the real-world experience of patients with BBS and their caregivers regarding setmelanotide treatment and the use of a specialist nurse support service aimed at educating patients and their caregivers, and enabling them to administer injections independently. The survey was administered between January 2024 and May 2024 to participants who began treatment between June 2023 and December 2023 at a single center in Germany. Results Of the 35 respondents, 10 were pediatric patients, 13 were adult patients, and 12 were caregivers. Prior to treatment, the most commonly reported symptoms by pediatric patients and caregivers were insatiable hunger (80% and 83%, respectively) and obesity (50% and 92%, respectively); for adult patients, key symptoms were vision loss (92%) and obesity (69%). Setmelanotide reduced feelings of insatiable hunger and had a positive effect on body weight: ≥ 92% of respondents across survey groups reported feeling less hunger, feeling satiated after meals, and a stable body weight or weight loss (mean BMI z-score ± SD at start: 3.12 ± 0.89, change after 6 months: −0.47 ± 0.37). Improvements in mobility, mood, and behavior were also reported. The specialist nurse support service was rated excellent by all respondents. The personalized approach contributed to high patient and caregiver satisfaction, enabled most of them to administer the drug independently, and ensured high treatment adherence, without any patients discontinuing setmelanotide treatment. Conclusion Based on this real-world survey of patients with BBS and their caregivers, setmelanotide improved key symptoms related to insatiable hunger and obesity. Personalized multidimensional nursing support at the start of treatment can help address unmet support needs in BBS and may contribute to high rates of treatment satisfaction and adherence.