Affymax folds after drug withdrawal

Biotech firm Affymax is to be dissolved after post-marketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions prompted it to recall its anaemia drug Omontys (peginesatide).

An investigation in conjunction with its marketing partner Takeda found no quality or manufacturing issues with Omontys. However, it also failed to identify any specific root cause for the allergic reactions, so the companies were left with no option but to withdraw the product. Takeda has broken off its marketing agreement with Affymax, effective from 10 September and, subject to shareholder approval, the company will be liquidated .

Omontys is a PEGylated peptide drug used to treat anaemia caused by chronic kidney disease.