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Results of a retrospective analysis indicate that anemia drugs used to increase red blood cell counts are not associated with an increased risk of blood clots in myelodysplastic syndromes patients.

The drugs “appear to not increase the risk of thrombosis [blood clots] when used to treat anemia associated with myelodysplastic syndromes, though we cannot rule out a risk absolutely,” said Dr. Sheila Weiss Smith, the director of the Center for Drug Safety at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and one of the study authors.

However, Dr. Weiss Smith…

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Amgen Recalls Anemia Drugs Epogen And Procrit – On Friday, Amgen recalled certain lots of Epogen and Procrit (epoetin alfa), which are used to treat anemia (low red blood cell counts). Procrit is manufactured by Amgen but sold by Johnson & Johnson. The recalled lots may contain barely visible glass flakes that could cause blood clots, swelling of veins, and immune reactions. There have not yet been any reports of negative side effects directly tied to the glass flakes, which result over time from an interaction between the drug and the glass container. To prevent this problem, Amgen will reduce the shelf life of Epogen from 36 months to 12 months for single-dose vials and 15 months for multi-dose vials. Additionally, the company will begin using glass vials that do not interact with the drug during the shelf life of the product. For more information or the specific lot numbers, please see the Amgen website.

FerroKin BioSciences Launches Phase 2 Trial For New Drug To Treat Excess Iron – FerroKin BioSciences recently announced the launch of a Phase 2 clinical trial studying FBS0701 for the treatment of high iron levels due to red blood cell transfusions. FBS0701 is a new type of drug that binds excess iron. Two different dose levels as well as the efficacy and side effects of the drug will be investigated over a period of 24 weeks. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients will be included in the study. For more information, please see the FerroKin BioSciences press release or the clinical trial description for the study.

One-Day Conference For MDS Patients And Their Families – The MDS Foundation is sponsoring a one-day conference for patients and their families on October 2 in Palo Alto, CA. Leading experts in the field will present the latest information on MDS diagnosis and treatment. A complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served. For more information or to RSVP, please see the MDS Foundation website.

For a more detailed listing of MDS-related events, please check the MDS Beacon Events Calendar.