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Pfizer announced the launch of Retacrit (epoetin alfa-epbx) injection, the first available biosimilar to Procrit (epoetin alfa; Janssen Biotech) and Epogen (epoetin alfa; Amgen).
Retacrit is indicated to treat anemia due to:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients on dialysis and not on dialysis
- Zidovudine in patients with HIV-1 infection
- The effects of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, within at least 2 months of chemotherapy planned upon initiation
In addition, Retacrit is indicated for the reduction of allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients undergoing elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery.
Retacrit initially received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2018. Human pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data and clinical immunogenicity data demonstrated a high degree of similarity between Retacrit and its reference product.
Retacrit carries a Boxed Warning regarding the increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, thrombosis of vascular access, and tumor progression or recurrence associated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). A Medication Guide that provides information on the uses and risks associated with Retacrit is required when the product is dispensed.
Retacrit will be priced 57.1% below the Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) of Procrit and 33.5% below the WAC of Epogen, at $11.03 per 1000 Units/mL. It is available as 2000 Units/mL, 3000 Units/mL, 4000 Units/mL, and 10,000 Units/mL in 1mL single-dose vials in 10-count cartons. It is also available as 40,000 Units/mL single-dose vials in 4- and 10-count cartons.
For more information call (800) 438-1985 or visit Retacrit.com.
