FDA wants more data on AMAG anemia drug

Biotechnology company AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Cambridge said today that the Food and Drug Administration wants more information on a prospective anemia drug before considering it for approval.

In December, AMAG asked the FDA to approve ferumoxytol for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in chronic kidney disease patients. The drug is AMAG's lead product candidate and the company said it will still prepare for a first-quarter launch.

"We believe that we will be able to provide the information requested by the FDA in an expeditious manner," said President and Chief Executive Brian J.G. Pereira in a statement.

AMAG did not provide details of what kind of information the FDA requested.

Shares of AMAG closed at $36.75 Friday on the Nasdaq Stock Market. (AP)