Anemia Drugs to Carry Warning

Shares of Amgen recently dropped $1.90, or 3.1%, to $60.27. Aranesp, whose 2006 sales were $4.1 billion, and Epogen, which contributed $2.5 billion, accounted for 46% of Amgen's revenue last year.

J&J rose 39 cents, or 0.6%, to $62.11. Procrit's sales of $3.2 billion accounted for 6% of J&J's revenue last year. Procrit and Epogen are the same. J&J sells Procrit under license from Amgen.

The ESA drugs are approved to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney failure and in cancer patients whose anemia is caused by chemotherapy. Epogen and Procrit also are cleared for patients scheduled for major surgery to reduce potential blood transfusions and for the treatment of anemia due to a certain therapy for HIV patients.

The FDA's action follows the publication of research that shows the drugs raise the risk of dangerous side effects in patients with chronic kidney failure. Other recent research reveals the recommended doses of ESA drugs could increase the death risk in cancer patients who weren't receiving chemotherapy. Recommended doses also could raise the risk of blood clots in patients who have undergone orthopedic surgery.

"Amgen is committed to providing timely and appropriate communications to physicians and patients whenever we become aware of new safety information that could affect clinical practice," said Dr. Roger Perlmutter, executive vice president of research and development at Amgen.

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