Acceleron Pharma Inc. found itself in an enviable position considering the phase II DART study of dalantercept plus Inlyta (axitinib, Pfizer Inc.) missed its primary endpoint in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Instead of rocking the company's shares (NASDAQ:XLRN), the trial failure and decision to halt development of dalantercept seemed to allay concerns that the asset was a distraction from the company's lead program, luspatercept, partnered with Celgene Corp.