With the successful completion of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III clinical trial, patients living with anemia are one step closer to having a new treatment option.
Aranesp, a product of pharmaceutical company Amgen, met a primary endpoint of reducing red blood cell transfusions in anemic patients during the Arcade trial. Additionally, the medication significantly increased erythroid response, which is vital for the formation of new red blood cells.
Aranesp is indicated for patients with low and intermediate-1 risk MDS -- a common type of bone marrow failure syndrome that is most often diagnosed in adults. Current therapies to treat MDS include blood transfusions, chemotherapy and stem cell transplants.
Aranesp is also indicated for the treatment of anemia brought on by chronic kidney disease.
"We are pleased to see positive results from this study, as anemia treatment options for myelodysplastic syndrome are limited and can place a significant burden on patients," Sean Harper, executive vice president of research and development at Amgen, said.
The Arcade study used 146 subjects: patients diagnosed with low or intermediate-1 risk MDS who had not previously taken ESAs or biologic response modifiers.
