Continuous erythropoiesis receptor activator (CERA) - An erythropoiesis-stimulating agent for the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 20 million Americans, and an additional 20 million are at increased risk for developing CKD. Anemia is a common complication in patients with CKD. The predominant cause of anemia in this patient population is a deficiency in erythropoietin. Continuous erythropoiesis receptor activator (CERA) is a new erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) that is undergoing FDA review for the treatment of anemia in patients with CKD, including in those undergoing dialysis. CERA has an extended half-life and a mechanism of action that promotes increased stimulation of erythropoietin receptors compared with other ESAs. In clinical trials, CERA dosed every 3 to 4 weeks has demonstrated efficacy similar to that of epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa in maintaining hemoglobin.-concentrations within the target hemoglobin range. CERA has generally been. well tolerated in clinical trials. Further studies are needed to determine what the role of CERA will be in the hospital and outpatient settings.