Hematide™, a synthetic peptide-based erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA), is a product candidate that has demonstrated the ability to stimulate the production of red blood cells. If proven safe and effective in clinical trials, it may offer physicians and patients an alternative therapy to recombinant erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell formation.
Hematide has several attributes that distinguish it from recombinant products. One differentiator is that it has a novel amino acid sequence that is unrelated to erythropoietin or to any other known naturally-occurring human sequences. Therefore, we believe it will not cause pure red cell aplasia, a hematological disorder that can be induced by treatment with recombinant erythropoietin.
Hematide’s properties may include monthly administration, relatively uncomplicated chemical synthesis, greater stability than currently marketed products, and room temperature storage.
ANEMIA
Anemia, a deficiency of red blood cells, is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 20 million Americans—1 in 9 U.S. adults—have chronic kidney disease (CKD). African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and seniors are at increased risk. Anemia is a frequent and serious complication associated with a number of increasingly common and severe diseases, including cancer, CKD, and cardiovascular disease. It can also occur in patients with other chronic diseases that cause inflammation, infection, or bleeding. CKD often leads to debilitating and life-threatening anemia.
Severe fatigue associated with anemia affects more than 75 percent of all cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Anemia can cause cancer therapies to be less effective, can compromise the ability of patients to complete chemotherapy regimens, and can diminish their quality of life.
ESAs have been used successfully to manage anemia in patients with CKD and cancer-related anemia, constituting a $12 billion worldwide market. ESA therapy has dramatically reduced the need for blood transfusions and the frequency and severity of anemia-associated morbidity, resulting in an improved quality of life for patients.
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