FDA Approves First Drug for Anemia in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

The FDA has conditionally approved Varenzin-CA1, the first drug for nonregenerative anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. CKD is a disease that requires day-to-day management in cats, and nonregenerative anemia is a complication that often contributes to death or euthanasia of affected cats due to poor quality of life. Varenzin-CA1 works by helping to increase production of erythropoietin in the kidney, which in turn stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. The drug is available only by prescription from a licensed veterinarian and may cause side effects such as vomiting, increases in systolic blood pressure, and blood clots.