Darbepoetin Alfa Risks Outweigh Benefits for Patients With CKD,
Diabetes, and Anaemia: Presented at Renal Week 2009

http://www.pslgroup.com/news/content.nsf/MedicalNews/852576140048867A...

SAN DIEGO -- November 4, 2009 -- According to a study presented here
at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Renal Week 2009, the risks
associated with using darbepoetin alfa in patients with diabetes,
chronic kidney disease (CKD), and moderate anaemia far outweigh the
potential benefits.

Efficacy and safety results of the Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular
Events With Aranesp Therapy (TREAT) trial, which failed to meet its
primary endpoints in reducing death, cardiovascular events/death, or
renal events, were presented here on October 30 during a press
briefing.

"We tried to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD, but
we did not reduce either, although we did observe fewer patients
requiring red blood cell transfusions, but with increased strokes,"
said lead investigator Marc A. Pfeffer, MD, Harvard Medical School,
and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.

"We think our results may indicate that the risk of this therapy
outweigh the rather modest benefits."

Who loves ya.
Tom

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