Dynepo demonstrates reduced angiogenesis in preclinical trial

UK-based biopharmaceutical firm Shire says that new non-clinical data shows that the erythropoiesis-stimulating agent Dynepo (epoetin delta) has "less pronounced" angiogenic properties than darbepoetin alfa at similar pharmacokinetic concentrations. Dynepo, which is the only ESA produced using a human cell-line, is indicated for the treatment of anemia in patients suffering from chronic renal failure.

The finding, which was announced at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nephrology in San Francisco, is derived from early-stage work conducted in a novel in vitro model. Principal investigator Alan Stitt, of the Center for Vision Science at Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, said that, "although this research is at a very early stage, this data is the first step towards evaluating whether different EPO analogs produce different angiogenic effects." Prof Stitt went on to explain that, in certain clinical settings, such as in patients with malignancies or proliferative retinopathy, reduced angiogenisis is of benefit.