HX575, recombinant human epoetin alfa, for the treatment of chemotherapy-associated symptomatic anaemia in patients with solid tumours.
BACKGROUND
Recombinant human epoetin alfa, HX575, is the first biosimilar erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) with European marketing authorisation. The primary objective of this double-blind, randomised, multicentre study was to assess the efficacy and safety of HX575 in treating chemotherapy-associated symptomatic anaemia in patients with solid tumours.


METHODS
The patients (n = 114) were treated with HX575 or active control (epoetin alfa) at 150 IU/kg body weight 3 times weekly for 12 weeks, increased to 300 IU/kg body weight 3 times weekly if the haemoglobin/reticulocyte increase was insufficient after 4 or 8 weeks.


RESULTS
With HX575, haemoglobin increased by > or =20 g/l in 62% (37/60 patients). The confidence interval (48.2%, 73.9%) was entirely above the pre-defined 30% threshold. Both groups showed similar results for safety profiles and secondary efficacy parameters. Transfusion requirements were 32% (19/60) (HX575) and 38% (13/34) (epoetin alfa).


CONCLUSIONS
In treating chemotherapy-associated symptomatic anaemia in patients with solid tumours, the biosimilar ESA, HX575, is efficacious with a safety profile as expected for the therapeutic area.
Klinikum Nurnberg Nord/5, Medizinische Klinik, Nürnberg, Germany.
Karin
K
Weigang-Köhler
Andrea
A
Vetter
Ursula
U
Thyroff-Friesinger
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006397:Hematinics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006397:Hematinics; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa