JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. and Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced that they have received marketing approval in Japan for Darbepoetin Alfa BS Injection JCR, a long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agent. JCR and Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. have been conducting the development of a treatment for renal anemia since the two companies entered into a collaborative research and development agreement for JR-131 in September 2013. The Phase III study demonstrated the equivalence in efficacy and safety compared with Darbepoetin alpha (innovator product), along with the similarity in the safety profile.

Darbepoetin Alfa BS Injection JCR will be manufactured by JCR, while its medical information provision and marketing activities will be handled by Kissei. After the NHI price listing, Darbepoetin Alfa BS Injection JCR will be launched by Kissei. Both companies will leverage their experience cultivated from Epoetin Alpha BS Injection JCR, on sale since May 2010, and hope to contribute to enhanced medical treatment by providing Darbepoetin Alfa BS Injection JCR as a new option for treating renal anemia.