US insurer updates anemia drug policies

US health care insurance giant Aetna has revised its reimbursement policy for the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in cancer and related neoplastic conditions, after a review of these therapies by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS; Marketletters passim). According to the Los Angeles Times, Aetna's policy is "slightly less restrictive than Medicare's but severe nonetheless."

Under the new rules, hemoglobin levels will have to be lower or anemia symptoms present for patients to qualify for the drugs. Aetna's policy affects Amgen's Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) and Epogen (epoetin alfa), as well as Johnson & Johnson's Procrit (epoetin alfa). Other insurers are likely to follow suit, the LA Times reports.