Singapore: Takeda and Affymax, announced that Takeda Pharmaceuticals America (TPA) has entered into a supply agreement for sourcing and supply of Omontys (peginesatide) injection with DSI Renal, one of the largest dialysis providers in the US. Omontys is the only once-monthly erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) for anemia available to the adult dialysis patient population with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the US.

The agreement allows DSI Renal to purchase Omontys for use within its organization and provides for discounts and rebates on the product, subject to certain requirements. DSI Renal has indicated that they plan to initially evaluate OMONTYS in selected centers, and then, based on experience, evaluate the potential to expand to additional centers. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"We look forward to working with DSI Renal as they integrate OMONTYS into their dialysis centers," stated Mr John Orwin, chief executive officer of Affymax. "With this agreement, we now have supply agreements in place with five out of the six medium-sized dialysis organizations in the US"

Omontys was approved by the US FDA on March 27, 2012, for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adult patients on dialysis. Omontys is not indicated, and is not recommended, for use in patients with CKD not on dialysis, in patients receiving treatment for cancer and whose anemia is not due to CKD, or as a substitute for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia. Omontys has not been shown to improve symptoms, physical functioning, or health-related quality of life.