Observational study suggests a role for Vifor's Ferinject for anemic and iron deficient patients with cancer

Swiss firm Vifor Pharma, a subsidiary of the Galenica Group (GALN: SIX), notes the publication of an observational study in routine oncological and hematological settings encompassing anaemic and iron-deficient patients with a wide variety of tumours (420 subjects, efficacy population).

The study was recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Oncology. It contains the largest dataset published to date with Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose), Vifor’s leading product, using real-life data. The treatment with Ferinject alone resulted in a substantial increase in hemoglobin (Hb) levels (median 1.4 g/dL) during the period of the study. Hb levels improved steadily and remained stable (> 11 g/dL) from week five onwards. These important results follow a review by Aapro et al highlighting the prevalence, appropriate diagnosis and management of cancer-related anemia.

32%-60% of cancer patients have iron deficiency