Affymax is training peptides to give red blood cells a pep talk. The biotechnology firm is researching and developing drugs based upon peptides, which can help regulate biological processes. Its leading drug candidate, Omontys (peginesatide), was approved by the FDA in 2012 as a treatment for anemia due to chronic kidney disease. Affymax believes Omontys, which was developed and commercialized through a partnership with Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical, will prove to be cheaper and longer lasting than the EPO stimulants currently used on dialysis patients. However, the product was recalled in 2013 due to adverse reactions to the drug.