Affymax Reports Phase 2 Clinical Trial Data Supporting Hemoglobin Increases With Once-Per-Month Hematide Regardless Of Patient Baseline Renal Function

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 27 May 2009 - 7:00 PDT


Affymax, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFY) today announced data from a post hoc analysis of 120 patients in a Phase 2 clinical trial of Hematide™ in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The data suggest that there is no major impact of baseline renal function as measured by Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) on the monthly Hematide dose required to increase and maintain hemoglobin (Hgb) values within target range in non-dialysis CKD patients. The data were presented by Iain C. Macdougall, M.D. at the World Congress of Nephrology meeting being held in Milan, Italy.

"As Hematide is partially excreted by the kidneys, it was imperative to evaluate whether renal function affected the product's ability to achieve hemoglobin target ranges," said Dr. Macdougall, consultant nephrologist in the Department of Renal Medicine at King's College Hospital in London. "These data suggest that Hematide results in appropriate management of hemoglobin levels in a broad spectrum of patients with CKD, regardless of baseline renal function. Anemia is a pervasive problem in the chronic kidney disease patient population. Being able to manage and control anemia allows treating physicians to focus attention on management of the patient's underlying renal disease."

The post-hoc analysis included data from an open-label Phase 2 study of 120 patients with stage 3, 4 or 5 CKD. The analysis suggests that mean Hgb increased approximately 2 g/dL by three months (from approximately 10 g/dL to approximately 12 g/dL) and remained stable for five months across all CKD groups, regardless of baseline eGFR. In addition, Hematide doses were similar across all CKD groups regardless of baseline eGFR. Twelve patients (10%) reported an adverse event considered possibly related to treatment. Adverse events occurring in more than one patient included arthritis (2), headache (2), and hypertension (7). One serious adverse event, an embolic cerebral infarction, was considered possibly related to study drug. The study was not specifically designed to evaluate the effect of renal function on Hematide dose and therefore caution should be exercised in the interpretation of results.

Anne-Marie Duliege, M.D., chief medical officer for Affymax added, "This is an encouraging post hoc analysis that warrants further evaluation. Hematide's ability to increase hemoglobin in a broad spectrum of chronic renal failure patients is the subject of our ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials. We will continue to generate data which we believe will assist physicians in optimizing anemia management in their patients."

About Hematide

Hematide is a synthetic, peptidic erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) linked to polyethylene glycol (PEG) that is being developed for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic renal failure.

Affymax and Takeda are collaborating on the development of Hematide and plan to co-commercialize the product in the United States. The product, upon approval, will be commercialized in the European Union by Takeda. Affymax is conducting Phase 3 clinical trials for Hematide to treat anemia associated with chronic renal failure.

Source
Affymax, Inc.

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