Amgen reports results of phase III Aranesp study

Amgen has announced the results of the “145 study”, a phase III clinical trial of Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) in previously treatment naive extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer patients receiving platinum-containing chemotherapy.

The study found that patients administered with Aranesp did not show any difference in the rate of death or progression-free survival, while the trial showed a significant change in haemoglobin concentration in favour of the compound.

Aranesp has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for anaemia associated with chronic renal failure for patients both on and not on dialysis and also for patients with non-myeloid malignancy patients with anaemia as a result of chemotherapy.

Roger M Perlmutter, executive vice-president of research and development at Amgen, said: “The 145 study is a component of Amgen’s ongoing pharmacovigilance programme designed to evaluate the effect of Aranesp on long-term survival in patients with chemotherapy-induced anaemia.”

He added that the results added to the evidence showing the safety of erythropoiesis stimulating agents and their neutral impact on survival in cancer patients with anaemia induced by their chemotherapy.

Earlier this week, Amgen announced the winners of its award for science teaching excellence, with 30 teachers from the US and Puerto Rico being recognised for their efforts.