Affymax and partner Takeda [1] have announced that they will suspend development of the drug Hematide for chemotherapy-induced anemia due to the "uncertain regulatory landscapes for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in oncology indications." The drug was in Phase I trials. Affymax and Takeda say they are still testing Hematide for anemia related to chronic renal failure. Phase III trials are underway in the U.S. and Phase I/II trials are ongoing in Japan. Affymax was a 2006 Fierce 15 company [2].
Affymax and Takeda aren't the first companies to shelve an ESA program. In June, Neose [3] decided to halt further development of its experimental anemia drug. Revenue from the ESA category has been falling steadily as federal and private payers enforce limits on their use.
- see the release [4]
Related Articles:
Takeda licenses Hematide in $535M deal
[1]Affymax files IPO [5]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/takeda-licenses-hematide-in-535m-deal/2006-06-27
[2] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/Fierce15/2006/affymax.asp
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/esa-troubles-sink-neose-anemia-drug-program/2008-01-30
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/affymax-inc-affy-stop-trial-chemotherapy-induced-anemia
[5] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/spotlight-affymax-files-ipo/2006-07-31