MIRCERA® Clinical Data
Clinical Studies in Adult Patients*1
The efficacy and safety of MIRCERA® in adult patients were assessed in 6 open-label, multicenter clinical studies that randomized patients to either MIRCERA® or a comparator ESA.
Two studies evaluated anemic patients with CKD who were not treated with an ESA at baseline, and four studies evaluated patients who were receiving an ESA for treatment of the anemia of CKD. In all studies, patients were assessed as clinically stable at baseline and without evidence of infection or inflammation as determined by history and laboratory data, including C-reactive protein (CRP) (CRP ≤ 15 mg/L for the ARCTOS study and CRP ≤ 30 mg/L for the remaining studies). A CRP value above the threshold led to the exclusion of no more than 3% of the screened patients.
*Note: At the time of the studies, higher hemoglobin targets were recommended compared to current clinical guidelines and MIRCERA® Prescribing Information.
Patients Not Currently Treated with an ESA
In the
ARCTOS Study Design

QW = once weekly, Q2W = once every 2 weeks, Q4W = once every 4 weeks, SC = subcutaneous, R = randomization
Macdougall IC, Walker R, Provenzano R, et al. C.E.R.A. corrects anemia in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease not on dialysis: results of a randomized clinical trial. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2008;3(2):337-347
(Administration of C.E.R.A. in CKD patients to treat anemia with a Twice-mOnthly Schedule) study, patients not on dialysis were randomized to MIRCERA® or darbepoetin alfa for 28 weeks. The starting dose of MIRCERA® was 0.6 mcg/kg administered subcutaneously once every 2 weeks and the starting dose of darbepoetin alfa was 0.45 mcg/kg administered subcutaneously once a week.2
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In the
AMICUS Study Design
Q2W = once every 2 weeks, TIW = 3 times weekly, IV = intravenous, R = randomization
Klinger M, Arias M, Vargemezis V, et al. Efficacy of intravenous methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta administered every 2 weeks compared with epoetin administered 3 times weekly in patients treated by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis: a randomized trial. Am J Kidney Dis. 2007;50(6):989-1000.
(C.E.R.A. adMinistered Intravenously for anemia Correction and sUStained maintenance in dialysis) study, patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis were randomized to MIRCERA® or another ESA (epoetin alfa or epoetin beta) for 24 weeks. The starting dose of MIRCERA® was 0.4 mcg/kg administered intravenously once every 2 weeks and the starting dose of the comparator was administered intravenously 3 times a week, consistent with the product’s recommended dose.3
In these studies, the observed median dose of MIRCERA® once every 2 weeks over the course of the correction/evaluation period was 0.6 mcg/kg.
The primary endpoints of these studies were:
- ARCTOS: Hemoglobin level response rate during correction and evaluation period and difference in mean change in hemoglobin concentration between baseline and evaluation period.
- AMICUS: Hemoglobin level response rate during correction period.
In both studies, response rate was defined as an increase in hemoglobin level of at least 1 g/dL versus baseline and to a hemoglobin level of at least 11 g/dL without blood transfusion during the correction and evaluation period in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. Hemoglobin levels were to be maintained within the range of 11 to 13 g/dL.
Phase III Clinical Studies in Patients Not Currently Treated with an ESA1,2,3
*Primary endpoint: Hemoglobin level response rate (hemoglobin increase of at least 1 g/dL and to a level of at least 11 g/dL without RBC transfusion) in ITT population. Hemoglobin levels were to be maintained within the range of 11 to 13 g/dL.
ND-CKD = non-dialysis chronic kidney disease, RBC = red blood cell, CI = confidence interval
ARCTOS: MIRCERA® administered subcutaneously once every two weeks has been proven to correct anemia in ESA-naive patients who are not on dialysis.2
Mean Monthly Hemoglobin Concentrations
(in the ITT population)
Secondary endpoint: Mean hemoglobin concentration during the correction and evaluation period in ITT population.
QW = once every week, Q2W = once every 2 weeks, SD = standard deviation, Hb = hemoglobin, BL = baseline, ITT population = intent-to-treat population
AMICUS: MIRCERA® administered intravenously once every two weeks was shown to be safe and effective as three-times-weekly epoetin for correcting anemia in ESA-naive dialysis patients.3
Mean Monthly Hemoglobin Concentrations
(in the ITT population)
Secondary endpoint: Mean hemoglobin concentration during the correction period in ITT population.
Q2W = once every 2 weeks, TIW = 3 times weekly, SD = standard deviation, Hb = hemoglobin, BL = baseline, ITT population = intent-to-treat population
Patients Currently Treated with an ESA
Four studies assessed the ability of MIRCERA® to maintain hemoglobin levels among patients currently treated with other ESAs. Patients were randomized to receive MIRCERA® either once every 2 weeks or once every 4 weeks, or to continue their current ESA dose and schedule.
At the time of the studies, higher hemoglobin targets were recommended compared to current clinical guidelines and the MIRCERA® Prescribing Information.
The initial MIRCERA® dose was determined based on the patient’s previous weekly ESA dose. Treatment with MIRCERA® once every 2 weeks and once every 4 weeks maintained hemoglobin levels within the targeted hemoglobin range (10-13.5 g/dL).1
.
In the
MAXIMA Study Design
QW = once weekly, Q2W = once every 2 weeks, Q4W = once every 4 weeks, TIW = 3 times weekly, IV = intravenous, R = randomization
Levin NW, Fishbane S, Cañedo FV, et al. Intravenous methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta for haemoglobin control in patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis: a randomised non-inferiority trial (MAXIMA. Lancet. 2007;370(9596):1415-1421.
(Maintenance of hAemoglobin eXcels with IV adMinistration of C.E.R.A.) study, the observed median doses of MIRCERA® were 57 mcg once every 2 weeks and 175 mcg once every 4 weeks during the assessment period and the rest of the study.4
.
In the
PROTOS Study Design
QW = once weekly, Q2W = once every 2 weeks, Q4W = once every 4 weeks, TIW = 3 times weekly, SC = subcutaneous, R = randomization
Sulowicz W, Locatelli F, Ryckelynck JP, et al. Once-monthly subcutaneous C.E.R.A. maintains stable hemoglobin control in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis and converted directly from epoetin one to three times weekly. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007;2(4):637-646.
(Patients Receiving C.E.R.A. Once a month for the mainTenance Of Stable haemoglobin) study, the MIRCERA® median doses over the evaluation period and the rest of the study were 56 mcg once every 2 weeks and 150 mcg once every 4 weeks. In this study, MIRCERA® was administered subcutaneously.5
The primary endpoint in these trials was a mean change in hemoglobin level between baseline and evaluation period.
Phase III Clinical Studies in Patients Currently Treated with an ESA1,4,5
Primary endpoint: Mean change in hemoglobin level between baseline and evaluation period.
This analysis is from the per-protocol (primary analysis) population; numbers indicate total patients randomized.
*MIRCERA® versus comparator mean hemoglobin difference in the evaluation period.
CI = confidence interval, n/a = not applicable
MAXIMA: MIRCERA® was found to be as safe as conventional epoetin treatment given three times a week, while maintaining hemoglobin levels in dialysis patients when given intravenously once per month.4
Mean Monthly Hemoglobin Concentrations
(in the ITT population)
QW = once every week, Q2W = once every 2 weeks, Q4W = once every 4 weeks, TIW = 3 times weekly, SD = standard deviation, Hb = hemoglobin, BL = baseline, ITT population = intent-to-treat population
PROTOS: MIRCERA® administered subcutaneously every two weeks or once monthly successfully maintained stable Hb levels in dialysis patients converted from epoetin administered once to three times a week.5
Mean Monthly Hemoglobin Concentrations
(in the ITT population)
QW = once every week, Q2W = once every 2 weeks, Q4W = once every 4 weeks, TIW = 3 times weekly, SD = standard deviation, Hb = hemoglobin, BL=baseline, ITT population=intent-to-treat population
.
In the
STRIATA Study Design
DA = darbepoetin alfa, QW = once weekly, Q2W = once every 2 weeks, IV = intravenous, R = randomization
Canaud B, Mingardi G, Braun J, et al. Intravenous C.E.R.A. maintains stable haemoglobin levels in patients on dialysis previously treated with darbepoetin alfa: results from STRIATA,a randomized phase III study. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2008;23(11):3654-3661.
(Stabilizing haemoglobin TaRgets in dialysis following IV C.E.R.A. Treatment of Anaemia) study, the median dose of MIRCERA® was 0.35 mcg/kg/week during the evaluation period and the rest of the study.6
.
In the
RUBRA Study Design
QW = once weekly, Q2W = once every 2 weeks, TIW = 3 times weekly, IV = intravenous, SC = subcutaneous, R = randomization
Spinowitz B, Coyne DW, Lok CE, et al. C.E.R.A. maintains stable control of hemoglobin in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis when administered once every two weeks. Am J Nephrol. 2008;28(2):280-289.
(TaRgeting sUstained haemogloBin in dialysis with IV and SC C.E.R.A. Administration) study, the MIRCERA® median dose was 60 mcg once every 2 weeks during the evaluation period.7
The primary endpoint in these trials was a mean change in hemoglobin level between baseline and evaluation period.
Phase III Clinical Studies in Patients Currently Treated with an ESA1,6,7
Primary endpoint: Mean change in hemoglobin between baseline and the evaluation period.
This analysis is from the per-protocol (primary analysis) population; numbers indicate total patients randomized.
*MIRCERA® versus comparator mean hemoglobin difference in the evaluation period.
CI = confidence interval, n/a = not applicable
STRIATA: MIRCERA® administered intravenously every two weeks successfully maintained hemoglobin levels in patients on dialysis directly converted from darbepoetin alfa administered once weekly or every two weeks.6
Mean Monthly Hemoglobin Concentrations
(in the ITT population)
QW = once every week, Q2W = once every 2 weeks, SD = standard deviation, Hb = hemoglobin, BL = baseline, ITT population = intent-to-treat population
RUBRA: MIRCERA® administered every two weeks effectively maintained stable control of hemoglobin in dialysis patients who were converted from epoetin given once to three times a week.7
Mean Monthly Hemoglobin Concentrations
(in the ITT population)
QW = once every week, Q2W = once every 2 weeks, TIW = three times weekly, SD = standard deviation, Hb = hemoglobin, BL = baseline, ITT population = intent-to-treat population
Clinical Studies in Pediatric Patients1,8
- An open-label, multiple dose, multicenter, dose-finding pediatric study was conducted to determine the dose of intravenous MIRCERA® when converting from treatment with another ESA (epoetin alfa/beta or darbepoetin alfa).
- The study was conducted in 64 pediatric patients (ages 5 to 17 years) with CKD who were on hemodialysis and who had stable hemoglobin (Hb) levels while previously receiving another ESA.
- MIRCERA® was administered intravenously once every 4 weeks for 20 weeks. After the first administration of MIRCERA®, dosage adjustments were permitted to maintain target hemoglobin levels.
Efficacy was established based on the change in hemoglobin concentration (g/dL) between the baseline and evaluation period. Of the two conversion factors studied, the recommended conversion factor for MIRCERA® was confirmed based on patients maintaining hemoglobin within target levels.
.
- Among the 48 patients who received MIRCERA® dosed using the recommended conversion factor, 9 patients withdrew due to renal transplant, 2 patients withdrew due to administrative reasons, 1 died, and 1 patient refused treatment. One of the 13 patients who withdrew from the study entered the evaluation period (weeks 17-21).
- For the 36 patients who entered the evaluation period and received the dose of MIRCERA® calculated using the recommended conversion factor, the mean change in hemoglobin concentration from baseline between the baseline and the evaluation period was -0.15 g/dL with 95% CI (-0.49 to 0.2).
- Supportive efficacy results in the group treated with MIRCERA® using the recommended conversion factor demonstrated that 75% of patients maintained hemoglobin values within ±1 g/dL of baseline and 81% maintained hemoglobin values within 10 to 12 g/dL during the evaluation period. Dose decreases and increases were reported in 38% of patients.
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The efficacy and safety of MIRCERA® have not been established in pediatric patients of any age in the following conditions:
- For subcutaneous administration
- For treatment of anemia in patients with CKD on peritoneal dialysis
- For treatment of anemia in patients with CKD not yet on dialysis
- For patients whose hemoglobin level has not been previously stabilized by treatment with an ESA
For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, and Medication Guide (English, Español) for MIRCERA®.
References >
References
1MIRCERA® [prescribing information]. St. Gallen, Switzerland: Vifor (International) Inc.; June 2018.
2Macdougall IC, Walker R, Provenzano R, et al. C.E.R.A. corrects anemia in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease not on dialysis: results of a randomized clinical trial. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2008;3(2):337-347.
3Klinger M, Arias M, Vargemezis V, et al. Efficacy of intravenous methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta administered every 2 weeks compared with epoetin administered 3 times weekly in patients treated by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis: a randomized trial. Am J Kidney Dis. 2007;50(6):989-1000.
4Levin NW, Fishbane S, Cañedo FV, et al. Intravenous methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta for haemoglobin control in patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis: a randomised non-inferiority trial (MAXIMA). Lancet. 2007;370(9596):1415-1421.
5Sulowicz W, Locatelli F, Ryckelynck JP, et al. Once-monthly subcutaneous C.E.R.A. maintains stable hemoglobin control in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis and converted directly from epoetin one to three times weekly. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007;2(4):637-646.
6Canaud B, Mingardi G, Braun J, et al. Intravenous C.E.R.A. maintains stable haemoglobin levels in patients on dialysis previously treated with darbepoetin alfa: results from STRIATA, a randomized phase III study. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2008;23(11):3654-3661.
7Spinowitz B, Coyne DW, Lok CE, et al. C.E.R.A. maintains stable control of hemoglobin in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis when administered once every two weeks. Am J Nephrol. 2008;28(2):280-289.
8Fischbach M, Wuhl E, Reigner SCM, Morgan Z, Schaefer F. Efficacy and long-term safety of C.E.R.A. maintenance in pediatric hemodialysis patients with anemia of CKD. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2018;13(1):81-90.