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.

PATIENTS AND 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.