Kyowa Launches Long-Acting Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent NESP Injection In Japan
Kyowa Hakko Kirin is launching its long-acting erythropoiesis stimulating agent NESP Injection 5μg Plastic Syringe in Japan today. The company made the announcement to launch its latest product in a press release this week.
Kyowa will release NESP Injection 5μg Plastic Syringe as an additional formulation. NESP is a long-acting erythropoiesis stimulating agent used as a treatment for anemia in adult patients with chronic kidney disease with or without dialysis treatments.
Anemia occurs when the normal balance between blood production and loss are upset. The condition can be caused by three different mechanisms: blood loss, extensive destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis), or very low red blood cell production by the bone marrow. Anemia of chronic renal failure is often caused by the third mechanism. In such cases, failing kidneys are increasingly unable to secrete erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production by the bone marrow. Other factors such as accumulation of uremic toxins may also depress bone marrow function. Excess aluminum in the bone marrow, a typical effect of long term dialysis, is also thought to contribute to anemia.
Treatment of anemia in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease with or without dialysis treatments traditionally involved erythropoietin agents. However, these treatment methods were not recommended for pediatric patients on hemodialysis.
Approval of NESP in September 2013 allowed the company to use the product in both adult and pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease with additional indication of pediatric renal anemia. The company said use of NESP in these cases is expected to lessen patient burden, as the treatment requires minimal hospital visits and injections.
Kyowa’s launch of NESP Injection 5μg Plastic Syringe expands the flagship product’s line-up. In its press release, Kyowa said it hopes to contribute to meticulous and individually targeted therapy for patients with anemia of chronic kidney disease.
Source:
http://www.kyowa-kirin.com/news_releases/2014/e20140123_01.html