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AnemiaPro(TM) -- First-Ever Anemia Self-Screening Kit -- Now Available to People at Risk for Chronic Kidney Disease

Posted on: Friday, 17 December 2004, 15:00 CST

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. announced the availability of a new, self-administered anemia-screening test, without cost, to people at significant risk for anemia from chronic kidney disease, such as those with both diabetes and high blood pressure. Anemia, a low red blood cell count, is an important and often overlooked symptom of CKD. AnemiaPro(TM) was developed by BIOSAFE Medical Technologies, Inc., and was approved today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It enables people at risk for chronic kidney disease to check their blood for possible signs of anemia in the privacy and convenience of their homes.

Early assessment for chronic kidney disease and treatment of anemia can improve patients' health and is associated with increased energy and activity levels.

More than 20 million Americans -- one in nine adults -- are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, a progressive condition in which the kidneys are unable to function effectively, and most don't even know it. People at increased risk for this debilitating disease include those who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, or both; those who have a family history of kidney disease; and those who are over the age of 65. Chronic kidney disease is more common in African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Asian or Pacific Islanders and American Indians.

People who may be at risk for chronic kidney disease and who are interested in obtaining AnemiaPro may call 1-888-557-2854 to complete a confidential screening process. It includes questions about risks for the disease, such as having diabetes, high blood pressure and signs of chronic fatigue. The kits will be provided at no cost to individuals who complete the confidential screening process and who are at risk for chronic kidney disease. Supplies of the kits are limited. AnemiaPro is a single-use only screening test.

Anemia, or low concentrations of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, can be a potentially debilitating condition that results in gradually worsening excessive tiredness and diminished ability to carry out routine activities. Many people with the condition may not know they have it or that treatments are available, but early diagnosis and treatment of both anemia and chronic kidney disease may help to improve health outcomes in later stages of illness. Medications, such as PROCRIT(R), can effectively treat anemia from chronic kidney disease by helping the body produce red blood cells.

The AnemiaPro self-screening test can be done at home by placing a single drop of blood from a finger nick into the test device. Within 20 minutes, the test will show a numeric reading of the hemoglobin count. Results of the self- test should be shared with a physician, who can then confirm or rule out a diagnosis of anemia and its possible causes.

"Chronic kidney disease and anemia related to chronic kidney disease are very dangerous conditions that unfortunately go unnoticed in most patients until serious symptoms begin to appear," said Alexander Salerno, M.D., an internal medicine specialist who treats patients with the disease in the greater Newark, N.J. area. "It is important that patients discuss symptoms of chronic kidney disease, such as fatigue, dizziness or shortness of breath, with their doctors as soon as possible."

"Prior to my diagnosis of advanced kidney disease, I had no idea I was even at risk for chronic kidney disease and anemia related to it," said basketball superstar and chronic kidney disease patient Alonzo Mourning. "I didn't recognize the symptoms of anemia and didn't pay much attention to feeling fatigued. If I had been aware of the subtle symptoms of chronic kidney disease, I could have received earlier assessment and treatment, which may have slowed my disease progression."

"Symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, may affect patients so gradually that they often are unaware of how much the symptoms have changed their ability to participate in routine activities," said Kris Robinson, executive director of the American Association of Kidney Patients, a national nonprofit organization that serves kidney patients and their families. "This test may be an important tool for those at risk to determine whether they may be anemic and then to follow up with their doctor to discuss the results."

Anyone who uses the test should discuss results with a physician who can identify potential causes of anemia, including possible chronic kidney disease, and recommend potential treatments.

About AnemiaPro (TM)

AnemiaPro, developed and manufactured by BIOSAFE Medical Technologies, Inc., of Lake Forest, IL, is the first-ever self-test to screen for anemia and provides patients with information regarding their hemoglobin counts. Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. holds exclusive marketing rights for the product under the AnemiaPro brand in the United States. Results of an individual's self-test should be shared with his or her physician, who can confirm or rule out a diagnosis of anemia and the cause of anemia.

About Anemia

Anemia is a potentially debilitating condition that occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Oxygen acts like fuel for the body, providing energy for muscles and organs to work. Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, decreased ability to concentrate and paleness.

Anemia can be treated effectively in patients who have chronic kidney disease. PROCRIT(R) (Epoetin alfa) treats anemia by increasing the number of red blood cells in a patient's body. Treating anemia can result in more energy, less fatigue, and the strength to do the things one used to do.

About PROCRIT(R)

PROCRIT is for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients who are not on dialysis. PROCRIT is proven safe and effective. It is virtually identical to the hormone healthy kidneys produce naturally to help your body make red blood cells. More red blood cells may result in more strength. PROCRIT has been used in more than two million people across four indications.

PROCRIT is available by prescription only and is injected by your doctor or nurse. PROCRIT is not for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. High blood pressure has been noted in patients treated with PROCRIT and blood pressure should be monitored carefully. Drugs like PROCRIT may increase the risk of blood clots and seizures. Loss of response to PROCRIT could be a sign of a very rare but serious condition. In studies, the most common side effects were high blood pressure, headache, joint pain and nausea.

For full U.S. Prescribing Information and additional information on PROCRIT and anemia, please visit http://www.procrit.com/nephrology/index.html.

About Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

In 1990, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. was established in Raritan, N.J. Since that time, Ortho Biotech and its worldwide affiliates have earned a global reputation for researching, manufacturing and marketing innovative healthcare products that enhance the quality of patients' lives. Ortho Biotech, located in Bridgewater, N.J., is an established market leader in Epoetin alfa therapy for anemia management across multiple indications. The company focuses its research and marketing efforts in four clinical areas: oncology, nephrology, immunology and surgery.

Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

CONTACT: Greg Panico, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.,+1-908-541-4062 (office) or +1-908-240-2011 (cell); Abby Hayes,Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, +1-212-880-5212 (office) or +1-646-418-7224(cell), for Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

Web site: http://www.procrit.com/nephrology/index.html

Source: PRNewswire

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