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Takeda

Takeda is a pharma organization headquartered in Cambridge, USA. Primary therapeutic focus areas include Diabetes Mellitus, Hemophilia A, Crohn's Disease, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. NovaPharmaNews links 1179

Cambridge, USA HQ
1993 Founded
1,617 Employees
NMPA registrant Type
Company details
Clinical program

Dynepo (Epoetin delta)

Phase 3 · small molecule · Anemia

Dynepo (epoetin delta) is a recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) analog developed by Takeda for the treatment of anemia. The drug belongs to the erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) class and works by stimulating red blood cell production. Dynepo was approved in the European Union on 29 February 2008 under marketing auth

← All Takeda projects Phase 3 small molecule terminated

Internal code SPD490-301

At a glance

Sponsor
Takeda
Phase
Phase 3
Modality
small_molecule
Indication
Anemia
Status
terminated
Trials
1

Executive summary

Dynepo (epoetin delta) is a recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) analog developed by Takeda for the treatment of anemia. The drug belongs to the erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) class and works by stimulating red blood cell production. Dynepo was approved in the European Union on 29 February 2008 under marketing authorization holder Shire Pharmaceutical Contracts Limited (EMEA/H/C/000372). However, the product was subsequently withdrawn from the EU market. Takeda's Phase 3 trial SPD490-301 (NCT00450333) was terminated, with the latest milestone recorded on 14 June 2021. The program represents a discontinued development effort in a competitive anemia treatment landscape dominated by established ESAs and newer mechanistic approaches. Dynepo's withdrawal reflects the challenging commercial and clinical environment for traditional EPO analogs, particularly following safety concerns and the emergence of alternative therapeutic modalities in anemia management.

Analyst view

Why this program matters

Anemia remains a significant clinical burden affecting millions of patients globally, particularly those with chronic kidney disease, cancer-related anemia, and other chronic conditions. The unmet medical need for effective, safe erythropoiesis-stimulating agents continues despite the availability of multiple approved therapies. Dynepo's development and subsequent withdrawal illustrate the competitive pressures in this therapeutic area, where efficacy, safety profile, dosing convenience, and cost-effectiveness are critical differentiators. The anemia market encompasses diverse patient populations with varying etiologies, treatment responses, and tolerability requirements. Takeda's portfolio includes multiple anemia therapies (FERAHEME, OMONTYS), positioning the company as a significant player despite Dynepo's discontinuation. The competitive landscape includes established players such as Amgen (ARANESP), Hoffmann-La Roche (MIRCERA, NEORECORMON), and Teva (EPORATIO), alongside newer agents targeting alternative mechanisms such as HIF pathway inhibitors (EVRENZO) and luspatercept (REBLOZYL). Dynepo's market exit underscores the challenges facing traditional ESAs in maintaining commercial viability and clinical relevance in an evolving therapeutic ecosystem.

Drug intelligence

Dynepo (epoetin delta) is a recombinant erythropoietin analog classified within the Blood and blood forming organs therapeutic class (ATC B03). The drug is a small-molecule modality erythropoiesis-stimulating agent designed to stimulate red blood cell production in anemic patients. Specific details regarding mechanism of action, molecular target, and route of administration are not yet disclosed in available documentation. Dynepo represents one of several EPO analogs in clinical development and marketed use, competing with established therapies including:

  • ARANESP (darbepoetin alfa; Amgen)
  • MIRCERA (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta; Hoffmann-La Roche)
  • NEORECORMON (epoetin beta; Hoffmann-La Roche)
  • EPORATIO (epoetin theta; Teva Pharma GmbH)
  • RETACRIT (epoetin alfa; biosimilar)

The drug was previously approved in the European Union but has since been withdrawn from the market.

Disease intelligence

anemia

Also known as: anaemia (disease), anemia (disease)

Overview

A reduction in the number of red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin, and/or the volume of packed red blood cells. Clinically, anemia represents a reduction in the oxygen-transporting capacity of a designated volume of blood, resulting from an imbalance between blood loss (through hemorrhage or hemolysis) and blood production. Signs and symptoms of anemia may include pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, shortness of breath, palpitations of the heart, soft systolic murmurs, lethargy, and fatigability.

Treatment landscape

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 98 registered studies for Anaemia, (AACT aggregate).

Phase breakdown: NA (35), PHASE3 (21), PHASE1 (18), PHASE2 (12), PHASE4 (11), PHASE2/PHASE3 (1)

Common investigational therapies:

  • GSK1278863
  • Daprodustat
  • Placebo
  • rhEPO
  • GSK1278863A
  • Darbepoetin alfa
  • Iron therapy
  • Daprodustat (GSK1278863)
  • Ferinject ® (Ferric carboxymaltose)
  • Normal saline (0.9%)
Classification: MONDO MONDO:0002280 MeSH D000740

Disease data sourced from MONDO Disease Ontology (MONDO:0002280), NCT00466297, NCT00767702, NCT01043133, NCT01317979, NCT01477281, AACT (ClinicalTrials.gov aggregate), ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00140517, NCT00238043, NCT00258024, NCT00259142, NCT00276224, Open Targets Platform (CC BY 4.0).

Clinical development timeline

  1. Approved2008-02-29

    EU Marketing Authorization Granted

    Dynepo received European Union marketing authorization as EMEA/H/C/000372 under marketing authorization holder Shire Pharmaceutical Contracts Limited.

  2. Phase 32021-06-14

    Phase 3 Trial Terminated

    Takeda's Phase 3 trial SPD490-301 (NCT00450333) was terminated; specific termination rationale not yet disclosed.

Competitive landscape

The anemia treatment market is highly competitive, encompassing multiple therapeutic classes and mechanisms. Takeda itself markets FERAHEME (ferumoxytol) and OMONTYS (peginesatide), positioning the company as a multi-product competitor despite Dynepo's discontinuation. Established erythropoiesis-stimulating agents include ARANESP (darbepoetin alfa; Amgen), MIRCERA and NEORECORMON (Hoffmann-La Roche), and EPORATIO (epoetin theta; Teva Pharma GmbH). Biosimilar competition has intensified with RETACRIT (epoetin alfa) approval. Newer mechanistic approaches have expanded treatment options: EVRENZO (roxadustat) targets the hypoxia-inducible factor pathway, while REBLOZYL (luspatercept) acts as an erythroid maturation agent. JESDUVROQ and FERACCRU represent additional approved therapies in the anemia space. EPOSTIM's manufacturer is not yet disclosed. The competitive environment reflects a shift toward agents with improved safety profiles, reduced immunogenicity risk, and alternative mechanisms addressing ESA-resistant anemia. Dynepo's withdrawal suggests the drug could not maintain competitive positioning against this diversified therapeutic landscape.

TherapyCompanyMechanismStatus
FERAHEMETakedaapproved
OMONTYSTakedaapproved
EPORATIOTeva Pharma GmbHapproved
EPOSTIMapproved
JESDUVROQapproved
FERACCRUapproved
ARANESPAmgenapproved
MIRCERAHoffmann-La Rocheapproved
NEORECORMONHoffmann-La Rocheapproved
EVRENZOapproved
REBLOZYLapproved
RETACRITapproved
VOXELOTORHemoglobin HbA positive modulatorApproved
TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDEGlucocorticoid receptor agonistApproved
SUTIMLIMABComplement C1s inhibitorApproved
RUXOLITINIB PHOSPHATETyrosine-protein kinase JAK2 inhibitorApproved
RAVULIZUMABComplement C5 inhibitorApproved
PREDNISONEGlucocorticoid receptor agonistApproved
PREDNISOLONE SODIUM PHOSPHATEGlucocorticoid receptor agonistApproved
PREDNISOLONE ACETATEGlucocorticoid receptor agonistApproved

Additional associated therapies sourced from Open Targets Platform (CC0), linked to NovaPharmaNews drug profiles where matched.

Regulatory intelligence

European Union: Dynepo received marketing authorization on 29 February 2008 (EMEA/H/C/000372) under marketing authorization holder Shire Pharmaceutical Contracts Limited. The product has since been withdrawn from the EU market. Additional regulatory status in other jurisdictions is not yet disclosed.

  • EMA Product Number: EMEA/H/C/000372
  • Authorisation Date: 29 February 2008
  • Current Status: Withdrawn
  • MAH: Shire Pharmaceutical Contracts Limited

United States FDA: Regulatory status not yet disclosed.

Japan (PMDA): Regulatory status not yet disclosed.

China (NMPA): Regulatory status not yet disclosed.

Clinical evidence summary

NCT00450333

Objective
Not yet disclosed
Design
Phase 3 trial design not yet disclosed
Participants
Participant population not yet disclosed
Primary endpoint
Primary endpoint not yet disclosed
Results
Results not yet reported; trial was terminated on 14 June 2021

Key questions answered

What is Dynepo used for?

Dynepo (epoetin delta) is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent indicated for the treatment of anemia. It works by stimulating red blood cell production in patients with anemia from various causes.

Is Dynepo currently approved and available?

Dynepo received European Union marketing authorization on 29 February 2008 but has since been withdrawn from the market. The drug is no longer commercially available.

Who manufactures Dynepo?

Dynepo was developed by Takeda. The marketing authorization holder in the European Union was Shire Pharmaceutical Contracts Limited.

What is the mechanism of action of Dynepo?

Dynepo is a recombinant erythropoietin analog that stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell production). Specific molecular details are not yet disclosed.

What type of drug is Dynepo?

Dynepo is classified as a small-molecule erythropoiesis-stimulating agent within the Blood and blood forming organs therapeutic class (ATC B03).

What is the current development status of Dynepo?

Dynepo's Phase 3 trial (SPD490-301) was terminated on 14 June 2021. The program is no longer in active development.

What clinical trial was associated with Dynepo?

Takeda conducted Phase 3 trial SPD490-301 (NCT00450333), which was terminated on 14 June 2021. Specific trial details and termination rationale are not yet disclosed.

How does Dynepo compare to other anemia treatments?

Dynepo competes with established erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ARANESP, MIRCERA, NEORECORMON), biosimilars (RETACRIT), and newer mechanistic approaches (EVRENZO, REBLOZYL). Its market withdrawal suggests competitive disadvantages versus these alternatives.

Why was Dynepo withdrawn from the market?

The specific reasons for Dynepo's market withdrawal are not yet disclosed. Factors may include competitive pressures, commercial performance, or safety/efficacy considerations.

What is Takeda's current anemia portfolio?

Takeda markets FERAHEME (ferumoxytol) and OMONTYS (peginesatide) for anemia treatment. Dynepo has been discontinued and withdrawn.

Is Dynepo approved in the United States?

U.S. FDA regulatory status for Dynepo is not yet disclosed. The drug was approved in the European Union but subsequently withdrawn.

What therapeutic class does Dynepo belong to?

Dynepo is classified within the Blood and blood forming organs therapeutic class (ATC B03) as an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.

When was Dynepo first approved?

Dynepo received European Union marketing authorization on 29 February 2008 under EMEA/H/C/000372.

What is the route of administration for Dynepo?

The route of administration for Dynepo is not yet disclosed in available documentation.

Does Dynepo have any active development programs?

No. Dynepo's Phase 3 trial was terminated in June 2021, and the product has been withdrawn from the market. No further development is anticipated.

What competitors does Dynepo face in the anemia market?

Dynepo competes with ARANESP (Amgen), MIRCERA and NEORECORMON (Hoffmann-La Roche), EPORATIO (Teva), EVRENZO, REBLOZYL, FERACCRU, JESDUVROQ, and RETACRIT, among others.

Entity relationship graph

Dynepo (Epoetin delta) → Drug → Target → Indication → Company → Trials → Competitors

Evidence-based

Analyst insights

Strategic Implications: Dynepo's termination and market withdrawal reflect Takeda's portfolio rationalization in the competitive anemia therapeutics space. Despite earlier EU approval, the drug could not sustain commercial viability or clinical differentiation. Takeda's continued focus on FERAHEME and OMONTYS suggests these agents offer superior market positioning or safety/efficacy profiles.

Competitive Implications: The anemia market has consolidated around established ESAs and newer mechanistic classes. Traditional EPO analogs face headwinds from biosimilar competition, safety concerns historically associated with ESAs, and the emergence of alternative pathways (HIF inhibitors, erythroid maturation agents). Dynepo's exit removes one competitor but does not materially alter the competitive landscape given the presence of multiple established alternatives.

Future Catalysts: No further development milestones are anticipated for Dynepo. The program is terminated and the product is withdrawn from market.

Expected Milestones: None anticipated.

Quick answers

Concise, citable answers optimized for AI answer engines.

What is Dynepo?
Dynepo is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (epoetin delta) for anemia treatment.
Who developed Dynepo?
Takeda developed Dynepo; Shire Pharmaceutical Contracts Limited was the EU marketing authorization holder.
What indication does Dynepo treat?
Dynepo is indicated for anemia treatment.
What is Dynepo's mechanism of action?
Dynepo stimulates red blood cell production via erythropoietin analog activity; specific details not disclosed.
What is Dynepo's drug modality?
Dynepo is a small-molecule erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.
What is Dynepo's route of administration?
Route of administration not yet disclosed.
What is Dynepo's current development phase?
Phase 3 trial terminated June 2021; program discontinued.
Is Dynepo approved?
EU approved 29 February 2008; subsequently withdrawn. U.S. status not disclosed.
When was Dynepo approved in Europe?
29 February 2008 (EMEA/H/C/000372).
Is Dynepo currently available?
No; Dynepo has been withdrawn from the market.
What is Dynepo's therapeutic class?
Blood and blood forming organs (ATC B03); erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.
What trial supported Dynepo?
Phase 3 trial SPD490-301 (NCT00450333); terminated 14 June 2021.
Why was Dynepo's trial terminated?
Specific termination rationale not yet disclosed.
What are Dynepo's main competitors?
ARANESP, MIRCERA, NEORECORMON, EPORATIO, EVRENZO, REBLOZYL, RETACRIT.
Does Takeda have other anemia drugs?
Yes; Takeda markets FERAHEME and OMONTYS for anemia.
What is Dynepo's marketing authorization holder?
Shire Pharmaceutical Contracts Limited (EU).
Is Dynepo a biosimilar?
No; Dynepo is an original recombinant erythropoietin analog.
What is Dynepo's internal code?
SPD490-301.
Does Dynepo have a development partner?
No partner disclosed; Takeda is sole sponsor.
What is Dynepo's patent status?
Patent status not yet disclosed.
What is Dynepo's projected peak sales?
Peak sales projections not yet disclosed.
Is Dynepo approved in Japan?
PMDA regulatory status not yet disclosed.
Is Dynepo approved in China?
NMPA regulatory status not yet disclosed.
What is the EMA product number for Dynepo?
EMEA/H/C/000372.
When was Dynepo's Phase 3 trial terminated?
14 June 2021.
Is Dynepo in active development?
No; development terminated and product withdrawn.

Evidence & sources

Reviewed by NovaPharmaNews Intelligence Desk. Last reviewed .

  1. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00450333 (clinicaltrials)
  2. epoetin delta EU status (ema)
  3. Source: phase (source_attribution)
  4. MONDO Disease Ontology (MONDO:0002280) (mondo)
  5. NCT00466297 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  6. NCT00767702 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  7. NCT01043133 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  8. NCT01317979 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  9. NCT01477281 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  10. AACT (ClinicalTrials.gov aggregate) (aact)
  11. ClinicalTrials.gov (clinicaltrials_gov)
  12. NCT00140517 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  13. NCT00238043 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  14. NCT00258024 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  15. NCT00259142 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  16. NCT00276224 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  17. Open Targets Platform (opentargets)

Intelligence compiled from public regulatory and clinical sources (FDA, EMA, ClinicalTrials.gov and company disclosures). Figures may be editorial or analyst estimates; verify against primary sources before relying on them.