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Nephrologist survey: Many chronic kidney disease patients might be good candidates for anemia drug Mircera

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Among surveyed nephrologists, familiarity with Roche’s Mircera is low, but is still second highest among six late-stage renal therapies in development, BioTrends Research Group reported.

Mircera is an erythropoietin receptor activator indicated for the treatment of symptomatic anemia in chronic kidney disease, which received FDA approval in November 2007. After reviewing a brief product profile, 49% of physicians said they are highly interested in Mircera and believe that more than 40% of their chronic kidney disease–non-dialysis (CKD-ND) and 40% of dialysis patients are likely Mircera candidates.

The TreatmentTrends: US Nephrology Q3 2013 report also found that surveyed nephrologists have low familiarity with Injectafer—an IV iron product from American Regent approved in July 2013. Seventy percent of surveyed nephrologists reported low familiarity. Interest among respondents was moderate and 25% of their CKD-ND patients are likely Injectafer candidates.

Mean familiarity ratings for Keryx Pharmaceutical’s iron-based phosphate binder Zerenex increased significantly over the same quarter last year, likely because of the recent NDA submission and ongoing press and clinical activity. After reading a brief Zerenex product profile, most physicians expressed a preference to use it in dialysis patients versus CKD-ND patients.

“Mircera, Injectafer and Zerenex, coupled together, could have a significant impact on the U.S. renal anemia market in the coming years,” said BioTrends Research Group Director Rob Dubman. “Mircera is a long-acting agent, which may provide greater patient convenience. And recent clinical trial results demonstrate that Ferinject—the brand name of Injectafer in Europe and elsewhere—reduces the need for other forms of anemia management such as erythropoietin stimulating agents and blood transfusions in CKD-ND patients with iron deficiency anemia. Lastly, Zerenex has been shown to reduce the need for ESAs and IV iron in dialysis patients in Phase 3 clinical data.”