The Hematide Phase 3 program, which involved 2,609 randomized patients, consisted of four open-label, randomized active-controlled clinical trials in the U.S. and Europe, including two studies in non-dialysis patients (PEARL 1 and 2) and two others in dialysis patients (EMERALD 1 and 2). In all studies, Hematide was dosed once every four weeks while comparator drugs were dosed more frequently according to their product labels. In these studies, epoetin was dosed one-to three-times per week and darbepoetin was dosed every two weeks. The Hb target range was 11-12 g/dL for non-dialysis patients and 10-12 g/dL for those on dialysis.

"Completion of these four Phase 3 studies is a key milestone and we look forward to pre-NDA discussions with the FDA," said Arlene M. Morris, chief executive officer of Affymax, Inc. "We are continuing to evaluate the data, in particular the non-dialysis studies, and the impact on the timing of an NDA submission."

"The focus of Takeda and Affymax is patients' needs, which are paramount in drug development. Together, we are working to bring this treatment option to patients with chronic renal failure and to physicians who treat them," said Azmi Nabulsi, M.D., M.P.H, president of Takeda Global Research & Development Center.

SOURCE Affymax and Takeda Global Research & Development Center, Inc.,