Study Cites Anemia Drug Risks

A detailed study by an independent research group has confirmed that a class of anemia drugs, including Amgen's (AMGN Quote) Aranesp and Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ Quote) Procrit, may increase the risk of death in cancer patients and lower overall survival.

The drugs, formally known as erythropoiesis stimulating agents, or ESAs, prompt the production of hemoglobin in patients undergoing cancer treatments, which can often cause severe anemia. The conclusions reached through the Cochrane Collaboration's detailed meta-analysis reflect results of prior studies, which were incorporated in recent label updates.

Data from clinical trials have shown that higher doses of the drugs may result in worse outcomes, such as higher risk of death and possibly tumor growth, for cancer patients. These safety concerns, and the resulting reimbursement and regulatory issues, have depressed Amgen's anemia drug franchise over the past two years. ...