Affymax, Takeda Recall of All Lots of Omontys Injection

Anemia treatment causes fatal reactions in three kidney dialysis patients

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Affymax, Inc. and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited today have decided to voluntarily recall all lots of OMONTYS® (peginesatide) Injection to the user level as a result of new post-marketing reports regarding serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening or fatal.

The companies have been working actively with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which has indicated its agreement with this decision.

The companies have also issued a letter to healthcare professionals indicating that no new or existing patients should receive OMONTYS.

To date, fatal reactions have been reported in approximately 0.02% of patients following the first dose of intravenous administration.

The reported serious hypersensitivity reactions have occurred within 30 minutes after such administration of OMONTYS. There have been no reports of such reactions following subsequent dosing, or in patients who have completed their dialysis session.

Since launch, more than 25,000 patients have received OMONTYS in the post-marketing setting. The rate of overall hypersensitivity reactions reported is approximately 0.2% with approximately a third of these being serious in nature, including anaphylaxis requiring prompt medical intervention and in some cases hospitalization. The companies are actively investigating these cases.

In the meantime, dialysis organizations are instructed to discontinue use. Customers will be provided instructions on how to return the product to the manufacturer for a refund. For customers with questions, please call 1-855-466-6689 [9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday].

OMONTYS (peginesatide) Injection is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease in adult patients on dialysis and is packaged in 10 mg and 20 mg multi-dose vials:

10 mg Multi-dose Vials - NDC 64764-610-10

20 mg Multi-dose vials - NDC 64764-620-20

All lots of OMONTYS are affected by this recall:

10 mg Multi-dose vials

Lots C18685, C18881, C19258

20 mg Multi-dose vials

Lots C18686, C18696
   

The product can be identified by its product labeling featuring the name OMONTYS. OMONTYS was distributed nationwide, including Puerto Rico and Guam, to dialysis centers via specialty distributors.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
Regular Mail: use postage-paid, pre-addressed Form FDA 3500 available at: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm. Mail to address on the pre-addressed form.
Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration.

Affymax Teleconference and Webcast

Affymax will host a teleconference and webcast at 5:30 a.m. Pacific Time; 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, February 25 to further discuss this news announcement. Interested parties can listen to the live teleconference by dialing (866) 393-1565 from the U.S. or +1(973) 409-9608 for international callers. Individuals may access the live audio webcast by visiting www.affymax.comand going to the Investors section. A replay of the webcast will be available on the company's website for 30 days following the live event.