A New Drug for MDS: Elritercept (KER-050)

In March, 2024, the FDA granted Fast Track designation for elritercept (KER-050, Keros Therapeutics Inc.) to treat anemia in adult patients with very low-, low-, or intermediate-risk MDS.    
Anemia, which is a reduced red blood cells counts, is a common condition that affects 90% of MDS patients. Some require transfusions, and others experience significant quality-of-life impacts due to anemia’s common symptoms, like fatigue. Expanding treatments for anemia in MDS patients will help reduce the symptom burden and risks that transfusion therapy has. 

The FDA's Fast Track process facilitates the development of investigational treatments that demonstrate the potential to address medical needs in serious conditions. 

Elritercept is currently is in a Phase 2 clinical trial, still enrolling for lower-risk MDS patients. 

What to know about elritercept: 

• Is a new drug designed to increase red blood cell and platelet production.
• It restores the pathways associated with blood cell production including TGF-ß and Activin A,  which when imbalanced, contribute to disease development and progression.
• Is being developed to treat low blood cell counts or cytopenias, including anemia and low platelets in patients with MDS and Myelofibrosis
• Has the potential to improve bone formation and iron utilization 

As elritercept progresses through clinical trials, it could lessen the reliance on transfusion therapy, enhance quality of life, and reduce the risks associated with long-term anemia management. These developments bring hope to patients and healthcare providers, signaling a positive trajectory in addressing the challenges posed by anemia in MDS.
If you want to continue reading about MDS, you can check our 101 articles, like:

• MDS Treatments
• What is My Risk Status and What Type of MDS Do I Have?

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