A Study of Monthly Subcutaneous Mircera for the Treatment of Chronic Renal Anemia in Predialysis Patients Not Treated With ESA.

A Single Arm, Open Label Study to Assess the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Once-monthly Administration of Subcutaneous C.E.R.A. for the Treatment of Chronic Renal Anaemia in Pre-dialysis Patients Not Currently Treated With ESA.

This single arm study will assess the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (Mircera) for the correction and maintenance of hemoglobin levels in predialysis patients with renal anemia who are not currently treated with erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESA). Eligible patients will receive monthly subcutaneous injections of Mircera at an initial recommended dose of 1.2 micrograms/kg. The anticipated time on study treatment is 3-12 months, and the target sample size is 100-500 individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients, >=18 years of age;
• chronic renal anemia;
• predialysis stage;
• no ESA therapy during previous 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• transfusion of red blood cells during previous 2 months;
• poorly controlled hypertension requiring hospitalization in previous 6 months;
• significant acute or chronic bleeding.