This study will define an effective starting dose for subcutaneous administration of MK2578 to correct anemia in erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)-naive patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are not on dialysis while evaluating its safety.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient is male or is a female who either cannot have children or who agrees to use appropriate contraceptive measures
• Patient has chronic kidney disease

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient is morbidly obese
• Patient has used another erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation) stimulating agent within 12 weeks of screening
• Patient will require dialysis during the study or is planning to have a kidney transplant within the next 6 months
• Patient has had a blood transfusion within 12 weeks of screening
• Patient has had major surgery within the past 12 weeks or plans to have surgery
• Patient has Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Patient has a history of diseases other than CKD known to cause anemia
• Patient has severe congestive heart failure
• Patient has history of malignant cancer, except certain skin or cervical cancers
• Patient has a history of grand mal seizures within the last 6 months
• Patient is pregnant or breastfeeding

Cohort 1 (MK2578 1.0 mcg/kg) was the only cohort initiated because the study was prematurely terminated by the sponsor. 7 participants received at least 1 dose of MK2578 & 2 participants received all 3 doses. Data presented are for Cohort 1.