ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- An analysis of observational data from real-world clinical practice suggests PROCRIT(R) (Epoetin alfa) has a lower drug cost in the outpatient setting when treating chemotherapy-induced anemia, compared with darbepoetin alfa, another drug in the same class.(1) Based on the average cumulative, administered doses per patient and wholesale acquisition cost (WAC), the study showed that the calculated drug cost for darbepoetin alfa was approximately 16 percent more than PROCRIT. These erythropoietic agents are used to treat anemia -- low concentrations of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells.
These findings, presented at the American Society of Hematology 48th Annual Meeting and Exposition, are based on data from the D.O.S.E. (Dosing and Outcomes Study of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Therapies) registry, an ongoing, prospective, observational registry collecting data on real-world practice patterns and outcomes in cancer patients treated with erythropoietic agents. For this analysis, researchers identified 861 cancer patients from 45 U.S. hospitals and community-based outpatient practices.
"The management of cancer can be costly, particularly when managing chemotherapy-related complications such as anemia," said Er Chen, Senior Outcomes Research Analyst at Abt Associates Inc., - HERQuLES, Lexington, Mass., and lead author of the new analysis. "In terms of anemia, our observational results suggest PROCRIT may be associated with lower drug costs, and might provide an important option for outpatient centers looking to better manage expenses."
Study Methodology
The researchers analyzed data from adult patients with a non-myeloid malignancy that received at least two doses of erythropoietic treatment between January 2004 and June 2006. Study results should be interpreted with the following considerations:
* The cost analysis was not designed to evaluate the efficacy or safety of either product. * May 2006 WAC values were used for the calculation of drug cost ($12.17/1000 units PROCRIT; $4.446/micrograms (mcg) darbepoetin alfa; May 2006 Medi-Span Master Drug Database). * Actual drug cost in different institutions may vary depending on the drug purchasing contract terms and conditions. Study Results
Mean baseline demographics, including age (62.4 years), weight (75.9 kg), gender (64.1% female), and Hb level (10.4 grams per deciliter of blood) were comparable for all patients studied. Breast, lung and gastrointestinal cancers were the most common. Both groups had similar average treatment durations (eight weeks).
The average cumulative doses administered per patient were 373,827 units for PROCRIT and 1,185 micrograms for darbepoetin alfa. Based on wholesale acquisition costs from May 2006, the associated drug cost was $4,550 for PROCRIT versus $5,267 for darbepoetin alfa (p<0.001) for patients with cancer.
The analysis was conducted by the Abt Associates - HERQuLES and by Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., marketer of PROCRIT.
About Anemia
Anemia, a potentially life-threatening condition, occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Oxygen acts like fuel for the body, providing energy for muscles and organs to work. Common symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, decreased ability to concentrate and sleeplessness.
About PROCRIT(R) (Epoetin alfa)
PROCRIT is for the treatment of chemotherapy-related anemia in patients with most types of cancer and for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients who are not on dialysis. PROCRIT is available by prescription only and is injected by a doctor or nurse. PROCRIT has been prescribed for more than 10 years to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis.
Important Safety Information
PROCRIT is not for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. High blood pressure has been noted in patients treated with PROCRIT and blood pressure should be monitored carefully. Drugs like PROCRIT may increase the risk of blood clots and seizures. Loss of response to PROCRIT could be a sign of a very rare but serious condition. In studies, the most common side effects were high blood pressure, headache, joint pain, and nausea. Please visit http://www.procrit.com for important product information.
About Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.
Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. is a leading biopharmaceutical company devoted to helping improve the lives of patients with cancer and with anemia due to multiple causes, including chronic kidney disease. Since it was founded in 1990, Ortho Biotech and its worldwide affiliates have earned a global reputation for researching, manufacturing and marketing innovative products that enhance patients' health. Located in Bridgewater, N.J., Ortho Biotech is an established market leader in Epoetin alfa therapy for anemia management. The company also markets treatments for recurrent ovarian cancer, rejection of transplanted organs and other serious illnesses. For more information, visit http://www.orthobiotech.com.
(1) Please see study methodology section for details on cost calculations
and considerations for interpreting results.
Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.CONTACT: Stephanie Fagan, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., +1-908-541-4029,cell - +1-201-572-9581, sfaganoe@gpcus.jnj.com
