ELRiSE MDS is a Phase 3, multicenter, open-label, randomized trial to compare the efficacy and safety of elritercept versus epoetin alfa for the treatment of anemia due to very low, low, or intermediate risk myelodysplastic syndromes ("MDS").

"We are delighted by the continued progress of the elritercept program," said Jasbir S. Seehra, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Keros. "We are encouraged by the positive signals that were observed in the Phase 2 clinical trial of elritercept in patients with very low-, low-, or intermediate-risk MDS, which were observed in patients with MDS both with and without ring sideroblasts."

Under the terms of the global license agreement with Takeda to further develop, manufacture and commercialize elritercept worldwide outside of mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, which became effective on January 16, 2025, Keros received a $200 million upfront cash payment in February 2025, and is eligible to receive development, commercial and sales milestones with the potential to exceed $1.1 billion. Keros will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties on net sales.

Keros expects to distribute 25% of the net cash proceeds from this milestone payment to its stockholders following receipt of the payment.