Field Study Yields Positive Results for Anemia Treatment

San Francisco—based Kindred Biosciences has released positive topline data from its pilot field effectiveness study of epoCat (KIND-510a), a long-acting feline recombinant erythropoietin intended for the management of feline anemia.

Results of the study, which included 23 cats with anemia, showed that epoCat increased the overall hematocrit quickly and continued to do so, with statistically significant improvement seen in each of the 6 weeks of the study (P < .0001 at each weekly visit).

According to a company press release, of the 22 evaluable patients in the study, 95.5% achieved treatment success, defined prospectively as either a 30% increase in hematocrit over baseline or the hematocrit value reaching normal range. Compared with baseline, the mean peak improvement in hematocrit was 55.4%.

The treated cats also demonstrated statistically significant improvements over baseline across all 3 health-related quality of life domains measured: vitality, comfort, and emotional well-being. The drug seems to be well tolerated based on a preliminary review of the safety data.

Anemia is often associated with chronic kidney disease, which affects about half of older cats. “Feline anemia is an important unmet medical need,” said company CEO Richard Chin. “Currently, there are no approved treatment options for this disease and we are impressed with these results. We look forward to helping patients, and we believe epoCat has the potential to be a major commercial success.”

A pivotal study of epoCat is planned for later this year, with hematocrit as the primary endpoint.