CERA: third-generation erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.
BACKGROUND
For 20 years, anemia has been treated with erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESA). Until recently there have been only two ESA: recombinant erythropoietin and darbepoetin. In 2007 a third agent was approved for clinical use, CERA.


METHODS
This review covers all of the peer-reviewed literature regarding ESA. The review also covers unique aspects of the regulatory publications with the FDA and European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products.


RESULTS
CERA is effective at correcting renal anemia. Compared to previous ESA, CERA has a dramatically lengthened half-life, making it the only ESA licensed for once-a-month dosing. However, like the previous ESA, CERA has not been shown to reduce morbidity or mortality and has only been shown to correct anemia and improve quality of life.
Topf
Joel Michels
JM
St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Chronic Kidney Disease Clinics, 22201 Moross Road, Suite 150, Detroit, Michigan 48236, USA. joel.topf@gmail.com
D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005062:European Union; D006207:Half-Life; D006397:Hematinics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
D006397:Hematinics; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C508420:continuous erythropoietin receptor activator; D004921:Erythropoietin; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols