Acceleron Pharma, Inc. initiated a Phase 1 clinical study of ACE-536, a ligand trap that increases red blood cells and hemoglobin by inhibiting members of the TGF-beta superfamily involved in late stages of erythropoiesis. 

ACE-536 is being developed for the treatment of anemia in a global collaboration with Celgene Corp. The Phase 1 clinical trial is a multiple-dose, dose-escalating study designed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ACE-536. 

Acceleron will receive a $7.5 million payment from Celgene for this event.

“By affecting production of red blood cells via a mechanism distinct from erythropoiesis stimulating agents, ACE-536 may become an option for patients for whom current therapies are ineffective,” says John Knopf, PhD, chief executive officer of Acceleron.

Release Date: Sept. 13, 2011  
Source: Acceleron Pharma, Inc.