C.E.R.A. maintains stable control of hemoglobin in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis when administered once every two weeks

Background/Aims: This Phase III study examined the efficacy and safety of C.E.R.A., a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator, given once every 2 weeks (Q2W) via subcutaneous or intravenous injection using pre-filled syringes, for maintaining hemoglobin (Hb) levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis who converted directly from epoetin therapy. Methods: Patients (n = 336) were randomized 1:1 to continue epoetin at their current dose, route and administration interval (once to three times weekly (QW-TIW)), or receive C.E.R.A. Q2W by the same route as previous epoetin treatment for 36 weeks. Dosage was adjusted to maintain patients' Hb within ±1.0 g/dl of baseline value and within 10.0-13.5 g/dl. Primary endpoint was mean change in Hb between baseline and the evaluation period (weeks 29-36). Results: Mean change in Hb for C.E.R.A. and epoetin was 0.088 and -0.030 g/dl, respectively (endpoint Hb 11.93 and 11.86 g/dl, respectively). Analysis showed that C.E.R.A. was as effective as epoetin in maintaining Hb (p < 0.0001), and was well tolerated. The administration route had no impact on primary endpoint. Conclusion: Q2W C.E.R.A. administered using pre-filled syringes effectively maintains stable control of Hb in patients on dialysis who convert directly from epoetin QW-TIW.