Amgen reports disappointing Aranesp data |
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Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:45
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THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) - Biotechnology company Amgen Inc. Friday said interim results of a late-stage study of anemia drug Aranesp as a breast cancer treatment failed to show a significant difference between patients using the drug and those in control groups.Aranesp, which in 2006 posted sales of $4.12 billion, is Amgen's best-selling drug. The Food and Drug Administration approved Aranesp in September 2001 for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic renal failure.In an independent investigator-sponsored study, 733 breast cancer patients were given chemotherapy. Some of the patients then received Aranesp.The interim results showed that use of Aranesp, combined with chemotherapy, did not significantly shrink tumors in early stage breast cancer patients.The company also cited more deaths and the progression of tumors in the Aranesp group compared with the control group in the long-term follow-up. However, Amgen said no deaths occurred while patients actually were being treated.The study is one of five prospective clinical trials included in Amgen's ongoing analysis program, which was implemented as part of an FDA agreement in 2004.The interim results were submitted to regulatory agencies, including the FDA, and final results will be submitted when available, the company said.Shares of Thousand Oaks, Calif.-based Amgen fell $2.25, or 4.1 percent, to $53 in after-hours trading, having closed earlier at $55.25.Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Amgen reports interim results from Phase III 'Prepare' study of Aranesp 