Anemia

Among patients with African ancestry, those with sickle cell trait are at a higher risk for COVID-19–related death, according to data published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

CHICAGO — Aaron Thomas Gerds, MD, MS, of Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, spoke with Healio about topline results from the MOMENTUM study presented at ASCO Annual Meeting.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended Evrenzo (roxadustat) as an option for treating anemia associated with chronic kidney disease in adults with stage 3 to 5 CKD with no iron deficiency.

Following the Medicare reimbursement policy in 2011 that recommended erythropoietin-stimulation agent dosing changes, researchers found reduced dosing and lower hemoglobin levels in anemia care among patients on hemodialysis.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. recently announced it is terminating agreements with Akebia Therapeutics for development of vadadustat in the U.S. market.

The decision by the FDA not to approve vadadustat for patients on dialysis was surprising and disappointing to nephrologists hoping for a safe and effective oral alternative to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for treatment of anemia.

Patients with chronic kidney disease and their care partners report a considerable burden, especially when the patients also have anemia, according to data published in Kidney Medicine.

The FDA has accepted a new drug application for daprodustat, which was filed by GlaxoSmithKline plc, according to a press release.

BOSTON — New research presented during the late-breaking trials program at the National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meetings showed the anemia drug daprodustat has cardiovascular benefits comparable to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

The FDA rejected Akebia Therapeutics’ anemia drug vadadustat for use in patients with chronic kidney disease, citing concerns about vascular access complications and liver toxicity.