Anemia

A serious condition in which the number of red blood cells or the level of hemoglobin in the blood is less than normal, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen the blood caries to the tissues and organs. It is a frequent and serious complication associated with a number of diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cancer. Anemia associated with kidney disease is caused by a deficiency in the production of endogenous erythropoietin (EPO). Anemia associated with cancer can be caused by the disease itself or by the chemotherapy used to treat it.

Antibody

A specialized immune protein that is produced by certain cells of the immune system in response to the introduction of an antigen into the body. Antibodies can be triggered by and directed at foreign proteins, microorganisms and toxins.

B-Cell Activating Factor (BAFF) Inhibitor

B-cell activating factor stimulates the production of a type of immune cell known as a B cell and has been implicated in B cell-related diseases, including B cell tumors and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and arthritis. Compounds that block BAFF activity and, therefore, inhibit B-cell proliferation – BAFF inhibitors – are being studied as potential treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

A condition in which the kidneys no longer function properly. This may lead to CKD-related anemia.

Dialysis

(see hemodialysis)

End-stage renal disease (ESRD)

A stage of kidney disease in which only about 10 percent of kidney function remains, necessitating dialysis or kidney transplantation. Nearly everyone with end-stage renal disease has anemia. Also called end-stage kidney failure.

Endogenous

Produced inside the body rather than originating from outside.

Erythropoiesis

The process in which red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone that stimulates progenitor cells in bone marrow to produce the proper number of red blood cells needed to carry oxygen to vital organs. Produced mainly by the kidneys, erythropoietin is released in response to decreased levels of oxygen in body tissue.

ESAs

Erythropoiesis stimulating agents, which are used to correct anemia by stimulating the production of red blood cells.

Hematide™

A novel peptide-based drug designed to stimulate the production of red blood cells. It is being evaluated in Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease and in anemic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Hematocrit

The proportion of the blood that consists of packed red blood cells. The hematocrit is expressed as a percentage by volume. The red cells are packed by centrifugation.

Hemodialysis

A medical procedure that uses a special machine to filter waste products from the blood and restore normal constituents to it. Kidney dialysis is often used to treat patients with end-stage renal disease and is typically administered using a fixed schedule of three times per week.

Hemoglobin

The oxygen-carrying pigment and predominant protein in red blood cells.

IV (intravenous)

Within a vein.

PEGylation

The attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to a therapeutic protein or peptide in order to extend circulating half life, improve chemical stability and reduce the potential for immunogenicity (the stimulation of an immune response).

Peptide

A compound consisting of two or more amino acids linked together by a bond called a "peptide bond." A protein is a polypeptide containing a long chain of amino acids joined together in this way. A protein can also contain several polypeptide subunits.

Pharmacokinetics (PK)

The measurement of drugs in the body over a period of time, including the processes of absorption, distribution, localization in tissues, metabolism and excretion.

Placebo

An inactive medication or treatment. Typically given in a controlled clinical trial to determine if the differences observed are due to the active medication or to the power of suggestion.

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA)

A rare autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body produces neutralizing antibodies to recombinant human erythropoietin, thus suppressing the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow.

Recombinant human EPO (rhEPO)

A genetically engineered form of erythropoietin that stimulates the production of red blood cells. This therapeutic protein is used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease and cancer.

Reticulocyte

Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that first develop and mature in the bone marrow and are then released into the blood, where they complete their maturation into red blood cells. The number of reticulocytes is a good indicator of bone marrow activity and can be used to monitor the progress of treatment for anemia.

Subcutaneous injection

Under the skin. With a subcutaneous injection, a needle is inserted just under the skin and a drug is delivered into the subcutaneous tissues, after which it moves into small blood vessels and the bloodstream. The subcutaneous route is used with many protein and peptide drugs that, if given by mouth, would be broken down and digested in the intestinal tract.

Tissue protection

The prevention of tissue injury caused by ischemia, traumatic, toxic and inflammatory injuries. Preclinical research suggests that ESAs may be tissue-protective.

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