OREANDA-NEWS. February 17, 2016. Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced that the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) ARCADE trial met its primary endpoint of reducing the incidence of red blood cell transfusions in anemic patients with low and intermediate-1 risk MDS at the end of the blinded 25-week study period. Aranesp also significantly improved erythroid response, a key measure of the formation of new red blood cells. Detailed results will be submitted to a future medical conference and for publication.

Safety data was consistent with the known safety profile of Aranesp, and the adverse events were generally balanced between treatment arms. The adverse events reported in the Aranesp arm at least five percent more frequently than in the placebo group were fatigue, pyrexia, headache and myalgia. 

MDS is among the most common type of bone marrow failure syndromes in adults.1 The disease occurs when immature blood cells do not mature in the bone marrow. Patients with MDS have fewer healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, and are at risk of infection, anemia or bleeding.2 Current treatments for MDS include blood transfusions, chemotherapy and stem cell transplants.

"We are pleased to see positive results from this study, as anemia treatment options for myelodysplastic syndrome are limited and can place a significant burden on patients," said

Sean E. Harper, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen.

About the ARCADE Study
The Phase 3 ARCADE trial was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating Aranesp in 146 patients with low or intermediate-1 risk MDS who had not previously taken ESAs or biologic response modifiers. During a 24-week period, patients received either Aranesp 500 ?g (n=97) or placebo (n=49) every three weeks. At week 25, when the primary and key secondary endpoints were assessed, patients underwent an end-of-treatment period (EOTP) visit and could subsequently enter a 48-week active treatment period where all participants crossed over to receive Aranesp, with dose escalation allowed beginning on week 31. Treatment continued until week 72 or 73, and long-term follow up continues to occur every 26 weeks, for a minimum of three years.

About MDS
MDS affects more than 30,000 people in the United States annually.1 People undergoing certain types of chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer may be at increased risk of developing treatment-related MDS.3 Patients with MDS affecting red blood cells often experience anemia.4

About Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) in the U.S.
Aranesp® is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), including patients on dialysis and patients not on dialysis.

Aranesp® is indicated for the treatment of anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies where anemia is due to the effect of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy.

Limitations of Use:
Aranesp® has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being.
Aranesp® is not indicated for use:

  • In patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents, biologic products, or radiotherapy, unless also receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
  • In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure.
  • As a substitute for red blood cell transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia.

Important U.S. Safety Information for Aranesp®
WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE

Chronic Kidney Disease:

  • In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL.
  • No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, Aranesp® dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks.
  • Use the lowest Aranesp® dose sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions.

Cancer:

  • ESAs shortened overall survival and/or increased the risk of tumor progression or recurrence in clinical studies of patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers.
  • Because of these risks, prescribers and hospitals must enroll in and comply with the ESA APPRISE Oncology Program to prescribe and/or dispense Aranesp® to patients with cancer. To enroll in the ESA APPRISE Oncology Program, visit www.esa-apprise.com or call 1-866-284-8089 for further assistance.
  • To decrease these risks, as well as the risk of serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic reactions, use the lowest dose needed to avoid RBC transfusions.
  • Use ESAs only for anemia from myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
  • ESAs are not indicated for patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure.
  • Discontinue following the completion of a chemotherapy course.

Aranesp® is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with Aranesp® or other erythropoietin protein drugs, or serious allergic reactions to Aranesp®.

Use caution in patients with CKD and coexistent cardiovascular disease and stroke. Patients with CKD and an insufficient hemoglobin response to ESA therapy may be at even greater risk for cardiovascular reactions and mortality than other patients. A rate of hemoglobin rise of > 1 g/dL over 2 weeks may contribute to these risks.  In controlled clinical trials of patients with cancer, Aranesp® and other ESAs increased the risks for death and serious adverse cardiovascular reactions. These adverse reactions included myocardial infarction and stroke.  In controlled clinical trials, ESAs increased the risk of death in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing orthopedic procedures.  Control hypertension prior to initiating and during treatment with Aranesp®.

Aranesp® increases the risk of seizures in patients with CKD. Monitor patients closely for new-onset seizures, premonitory symptoms, or change in seizure frequency.

For lack or loss of hemoglobin response to Aranesp®, initiate a search for causative factors. If typical causes of lack or loss of hemoglobin response are excluded, evaluate for PRCA.  Cases of PRCA and of severe anemia, with or without other cytopenias that arise following the development of neutralizing antibodies to erythropoietin have been reported in patients treated with Aranesp®.  This has been reported predominantly in patients with CKD receiving ESAs by subcutaneous administration. PRCA has also been reported in patients receiving ESAs for anemia related to hepatitis C treatment (an indication for which Aranesp® is not approved).  If severe anemia and low reticulocyte count develop during treatment with Aranesp®, withhold Aranesp® and evaluate patients for neutralizing antibodies to erythropoietin. Permanently discontinue Aranesp® in patients who develop PRCA following treatment with Aranesp® or other erythropoietin protein drugs. Do not switch patients to other ESAs.

Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, skin rash, and urticaria may occur with Aranesp®. Immediately and permanently discontinue Aranesp® if a serious allergic reaction occurs.

Adverse reactions (? 10%) in Aranesp® clinical studies in patients with CKD were hypertension, dyspnea, peripheral edema, cough, and procedural hypotension.  Adverse reactions (? 1%) in Aranesp® clinical studies in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were abdominal pain, edema, and thrombovascular events.

To see the Aranesp® Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warnings, and Medication Guide visit www.aranesp.com.

About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its biologics manufacturing expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen.

Forward-Looking Statements
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CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks

Kristen Davis, 805-447-3008 (Media)

Kristen Neese, 805-313-8267 (Media)

Arvind Sood, 805-447-1060 (Investors)

References:

  1. Bajar R et al. Recent developments in myelodysplastic syndromes. Blood. 2014; 124(18):2793-803.
  2. National Cancer Institute. Myelodysplastic Syndromes Treatment (PDQ®). http://www.cancer.gov/types/myeloproliferative/patient/myelodysplastic-treatment-pdq#section/_1. Accessed February 5, 2016.
  3. Kurtin et al. Patient and Family Resources for Living With Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2012;16 Suppl:58-64.
  4. Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation. Understanding Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). http://www.mds-foundation.org/what-is-mds/. Accessed February 5, 2016.