Affymax and partner Takeda 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.
Affymax and Takeda aren't the first companies to shelve an ESA program. In June, Neose 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.
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