A Johnson & Johnson anemia drug tested in Germany on a panel of stroke patients is being investigated by U.S. health officials. They stated that the administration of said drug has caused a high mortality rate in the German study patients.

More precisely, 16% of the patients who were administered Eprex died three moths after the beginning of the study, in comparison with only 9% who took a Placebo, reads an FDA report on the matter. The purpose of the study was to observe whether Eprex improved the brain’s function in stroke patients, regardless of the fact that most of them did not suffer from anemia. They were given either a high dosage of the drug or a Placebo, over a period of three days. Moreover, the drug class that Eprex belongs to is traditionally used (with FDA approval) in treating kidney diseases and various types of cancer. Eprex itself, however, is only FDA approved in treating anemia.

Studies conducted in recent years have concluded that patients who were given drugs from this class (ESAs - erythropoiesis-stimulating agents) either developed tumor growths or had a smaller life-span. The FDA suggested the German scientists should monitor this study and the patients involved more closely, as half of the deceased passed away within seven days of the study’s beginning.

Other companies who produce and distribute ESAs do not support these drugs being used in brain protection studies. To ensure a better and more wide-spread awareness, the FDA compelled pharmaceutical companies to provide more complete and informative warning on such drugs. Johnson & Johnson representatives take responsibility over financing and supplying the investigated drug, but deny any implication in designing or conducting the trial study.

The FDA has not expressly concluded that the deaths are solely caused by the high doses of Eprex and are currently looking into discovering any underlying causes.