Amgen data shows Aranesp similar to Epoetin alfa

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., May 18 - Amgen announced that final results of a phase 3 randomized, open-label head-to-head study evaluating 200 mcg of Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) administered every two weeks versus 40,000 U of Epoetin alfa dosed once a week demonstrated that Aranesp resulted in similar clinical efficacy as Epoetin alfa in boosting hemoglobin levels and reducing the need for red blood cell transfusions in cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia.

"Results of this study, the largest, randomized head-to-head comparison of darbepoetin alfa dosed every two weeks to weekly Epoetin alfa, showed that fewer injections did not compromise efficacy with respect to decreased transfusion requirements," said John Glaspy, a professor at the University of California at Los Angeles medical school, in a news release.

"From a clinician perspective, the comparability in patient reported outcomes, including energy levels and impact on daily activities, provide further evidence that we can extend dosing intervals and represents an important potential benefit for patients and their caregivers."

Amgen discovers human therapeutics and is based in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

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