CERA: third-generation erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.

BACKGROUND

For 20 years, anemia has been treated with erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESA). Until recently there have been only two ESA: recombinant erythropoietin and darbepoetin. In 2007 a third agent was approved for clinical use, CERA.

METHODS

This review covers all of the peer-reviewed literature regarding ESA. The review also covers unique aspects of the regulatory publications with the FDA and European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products.

RESULTS

CERA is effective at correcting renal anemia. Compared to previous ESA, CERA has a dramatically lengthened half-life, making it the only ESA licensed for once-a-month dosing. However, like the previous ESA, CERA has not been shown to reduce morbidity or mortality and has only been shown to correct anemia and improve quality of life.