ESA troubles sink Neose anemia drug program

With red alerts flying over risk factors posed by erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), Neose has decided to shelve further development of its experimental anemia drug and hand out pink slips to 27 workers, roughly a third of its work force.

"Since commencing development of NE-180, we have intended to partner the compound during phase-II clinical trials due to the significant funding that would be required to conduct a phase-III program and launch a new ESA," said George J. Vergis, president and CEO of Neose. "We have concluded that the safety concerns expressed in recent quarters about marketed ESAs have not only impacted the market potential for new ESAs, but also made it unlikely that a collaborative relationship could be formed for the future development of NE-180 in a reasonable time frame."

- see this release
- check out the report from the Philadelphia Business Journal

Related Articles:
Amgen in new talks over ESA safety. Report
Neose shares sink on new trial delay. Report
FDA puts Neose anemia trial on hold. Report