For Non-dialysis Kidney Patients, FDA Recommends Continuation of Aranesp (Darbepoetin Alfa)

Medical News Today -- An FDA Advisory Committee has recommended the continued use of Aranesp (Darbepoetin alfa), a synthetic form of erythropoietin used to treat anemia in patients with mild to moderate chronic (long-term) kidney disease. Although the Advisory Committee's recommendations are not binding, the FDA usually goes along with what their members say. The Committee voted 15 in favor with 1 abstention not to withdraw the medication. They had met after studies involving 4,000 participants showed that the risk of stroke for those taking Aranesp was equal to those on a placebo. The Advisers also voted on whether use should be limited to rescue therapy for individuals with extremely low levels of iron - they voted 9 to 5 that there should not be this limit.