OBJECTIVES: Current multiple sclerosis (MS) disease modifying medications frequently require the use of self-injection devices. These can present varied burdens for patients in terms of their portability, complexity in preparation and potential for causing discomfort. Furthermore, the necessity to self-inject is closely associated with levels of adherence to treatment and optimising the acceptability of such devices to patients may have a positive impact on treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to better understand the preferences of MS patients for attributes of self-injection devices. METHODS: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey was developed on the basis of a review of published literature. The attributes identified for inclusion in the survey were: ease of use; comfort of use; presence of additional functions, needle visibility; practicality and efficacy. Choice sets were presented as pairs of hypothetical treatments based upon a fractional factorial design. One-hundred device-using MS patients completed the survey online.  Analysis was conducted using a mixed-logit approach RESULTS: Analysis of the DCE data revealed that all attributes significantly predicted treatment choice.  As anticipated, efficacy exhibited the largest effect on treatment selection and this provided context for understanding the magnitude of impact for the other attributes.  Reducing the discomfort associated with device use and eliminating the necessity for assembly or drug reconstitution were highly valued by patients. The addition of reminder and time-stamping functions, improved needlestick injury prevention and a reduction in device size were secondary concerns but still deemed desirable. CONCLUSIONS: Although efficacy is of primary importance to MS patients, the characteristics of drug delivery devices can play an important role in treatment decision-making.  The findings suggest that there is significant potential value in developing self-injection devices that are not only efficacious but also convenient and comfortable to use. Reducing barriers to adherence could potentially translate into improved treatment outcomes for patients with MS.