Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta: worth waiting for or a novelty worn off?

Since their inception nearly two decades ago, erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) have revolutionized the care of patients with renal anemia. Until recently, treatment options included the epoetins and darbepoetin alfa. As the use of these agents for chronic kidney disease (CKD) became widespread, the introduction of ESAs--touted for their longer-acting properties--was excitedly anticipated.

To review the option of methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta for ESA therapy in patients with renal anemia.

Peer-reviewed scientific literature, published abstracts and renal business journals were reviewed in the writing of this opinion.

Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (CERA) is an effective long-acting ESA approved for treatment of renal anemia and available for use outside of the United States. CERA corrects and maintains hemoglobin (Hb) levels in patients with CKD and its efficacy mirrors that of the epoetins and darbepoetin alfa. CERA holds promise for its safety record, administration requirements, and the potential impact on social and pharmacoeconomic barriers to treatment for patients with renal anemia.