Keryx Biopharmaceuticals begins shipping treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis

NEW YORK — Keryx Biopharmaceuticals last month announced it has begun shipping Auryxia (ferric citrate) tablets to wholesalers in the United States. Auryxia is approved for the control of serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. 

 

“Auryxia is a new treatment option for nephrologists that fits squarely into their current treatment protocols,” said Ron Bentsur, CEO Keryx. “We have built a world-class renal commercial team at Keryx and are eager to deliver the first and only absorbable-iron-based phosphate binder to dialysis patients.” 

 

“Dialysis patients and their healthcare providers will benefit from having an additional phosphate binder available,” said Julia Lewis, nephrologist and professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “Auryxia's clinical profile is compelling and, I believe, will be of value for my patients.”

 

End-stage renal disease represents the most severe stage of CKD, as many metabolic factors, such as iron and phosphorus, are out of balance. The majority of ESRD patients require chronic treatment with phosphate-binding agents to lower and maintain serum phosphorus at acceptable levels. In addition, iron can be severely depleted in dialysis patients and they therefore are often treated with intravenous iron and other medications. Approximately 450,000 ESRD patients require dialysis in the United States, with the number projected to rise in the future. 

 

Auryxia is the first and only absorbable-iron-based phosphate binder that is clinically proven to effectively control phosphate levels within the KDOQI guidelines range of 3.5 mg/dL to 5.5 mg/dL. The Food and Drug Administration approved Auryxia in September 2014.